Middlemarch

By: George Eliot

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 31 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

(P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

poor Wendy

Well, God help poor Wendy. This is a brilliant reading of one of the greatest works of fiction in the English language. In fact, I have regretted that Ms. Reading hasn't recorded more of the works of great writers, such as this one, and fewer of the middling popular fiction titles that are on her list. She has a tremendous gift, apparently is a gifted actress under a different name, and her talent for creating characters shows as she brings to life an entire village of characters in Middlemarch. I read this book every decade or so -- and I'm hard put to it to say which experience, reading or listening, is more thrilling when the recording is as good as this one is. I wish Ms. Reading would read all of the works of Jane Austen and Anthony Trollope, and I would love to hear her reading of Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel.

Excellent

The book was fantastic. The reader was even more fantastic.

Wonderful Book!

I decided to listen to this book because it was a classic and because the reviews on Audible were overall very good. For the first hour or two of listening, I had my doubts about whether it was worth listening to the rest. However, once I started to get the characters straight the book became more and more enjoyable. I listened to the book in the car and couldn't wait to drive more so that I could listen to more of the book. The narrator is wonderful and breathes life into the characters. I would highly recommend this book.
One piece of advice that might make the first hour or two easier is to look up Middlemarch on Wikipedia. This article gives a nice overview of the main characters and will get you up to speed on who's who much faster than just listening to the book though I wouldn't look at this article if you don't want to find out where the characters end up in the end.

Very enjoyable!

This book is long, but the narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and giving them personalities. I really enjoyed listening.

Wonderful book

Can't think of a better book about 19th century England. Kate Reading's narration is first class. An absolute must if you enjoy reading about this period. Yes, it is long but at no time is it boring -- one of those books that you are sorry to see end.

Great story

Well written story about life in a small town, the roles of women and the temptations of money and prestige. Wonderfully narrated.

Excellent!

Beautifully written, beautifully read, beautiful and witty novel! I highly reccommend this to anyone. Elliot's humor is subtle but hilarious and the narration perfectly fits her writing stlye. Very enjoyable!

A pleasure

This is a great recording and an excellent novel.

Such books make reading sacred...

George Eliot does not need my praise since Middlemarch radiates enough light to brighten the entire 19th century. Before reading this book, I never knew anyone could combine excellent narrative, characters so rich you could eat them with a spoon, and moral instruction more genuine than anyones religion and make a whole world of them. The narration is fabulous, worthy of Eliot's brilliance. If you can only read one more book before you die, read this one.

Book was great

Audible version skipped a lot. I think it was the software. made listening unpleasant. Not pleased.