A review by annabeebae
Middlemarch by George Eliot

4.0

It wasn't until I finished, and subsequently found myself missing the characters and their world, that I realized I actually did enjoy this book. There was a consistent sense of detachment between the characters and the reader, which frustrated me for most of the book - I usually prefer to establish strong attachments to my characters (especially if I'm going to be reading about them for a looong time due to a thick book!). In retrospect, I was probably able to better enjoy/appreciate the ups and downs of the Middlemarchers lives from my aloof perspective. Whatever the case, my favorite thing about the book was Eliot's perceptive understanding of human natures, motivations, and behaviors. Their logics were so well explained that I felt I understood each character perfectly as they moved about in their world. I think I'd consider reading it again in 10-20 years time, even.