Middlemarch

De: George Eliot

Narrado por: Kate Reading

Middlemarch is a recognized masterpiece that explores the complex social world of 19th century England. It is concerned with the lives of several ordinary people, albeit ones with high social standing. The novel explores the very fabric of Victorian society in the 1800s, showing how various human passions, heroism, egotism, love, and lust, interrelate within this society.

The novel is set in the small town of Middlemarch and follows the inter-related lives of several characters. At the heart of the book is Dorothea, a kind-hearted and honest woman, who longs to find some way to improve the world. She marries an older academic, Casaubon, against the advice of her friends and family. Casaubon tries to assert his influence over Dorothea, but she refuses to succumb to Casaubon's will. Casaubon soon dies of a heart attack, and Dorothea marries his cousin, Will. But, in a last attempt to control Dorothea's life, Casaubon's will states that if Dorothea marries Will, she will lose her claim to Casaubon's estate.

Other unforgettable characters in Middlemarch include the young doctor, Lydgate, who come to the town to start his own practice. He soon falls in love with Rosamund, a woman who has spent her life in Middlemarch, and they eventually marry. Fred Vincey, used to a lavish lifestyle but also a gambler, falls into debt as he waits to inherit money from a rich neighbor. He drifts toward the clergy, and longs to marry Mary Garth. But until he proves himself worthy, Mary will have nothing to do with him.

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the best

this is one of the best books I've ever read, if you like a good romance with a strong female character, good story line you will love this book

19th century soap opera

Dig these classics. One reason is the flow of the prose is almost like listening ot poetry or made that was just the enchanting tones of Kate Reading. Another reason is the conficts between the classes and genders, which are so very differnet today. Also they show that basic human nature is the same as today. There are good hearted people, triffaling people, evil people and all other catagories. Like how this one talked about the political tensions at the time.

Superb

Yes, probably the finest English novel ever. I wanted it to go on and on. Eliot created a profoundly romantic love story and several compelling sub-plots set in her fictitious English village populated with intriguing characters and rich details of life in Georgian England. It is beautifully read.

Worth the time it takes to read!

"Middlemarch" is a worthwhile albeit lengthy read. Eliot is excellent at detailing personality traits, giving you a familiarity with each character and there are quite a few that you get to know in "Middlemarch". It's easy to recognize people similar to those in the story.
This novel deals wide range of issues including selflessness, selfishness, greed, malevolence, benevolence, love, unsavory pasts, murder(or not?), and more.

Now This Is A Novel

What can you say - if you love great writing and a real novel - well, listen to this book. Well read and paced, it's a long listen but well worht it. I gave it a try and am very happy that I did.