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.

A classic read by a great reader

One of the greatest English books ever written.
So long that if it wasn’t for Kate Reading
Reading it it would have been too long. She was amazingl

George Eliot's Middlemarch is perfection

I love Middlemarch. The ease and flow into each of the individual characters and their unique storylines is a beautiful work of literature. This production and narration was equal to the source.

Listened to it 3 Times in a Row!!

What made the experience of listening to Middlemarch the most enjoyable?

The writing! Her sentences are crafted! Brilliantly crafted!! and hearing them was the only way to truly digest the richness.

What did you like best about this story?

The craftsmanship of the story that capture the cultures, classes and overlapping dynamics.

Which scene was your favorite?

Tough question. Too many. Probably the death of the uncle, as he was asking Mary to get the wills. But also when Dorothea walks in on Latislaw and Rosamund. But also the scene where Dorothea then comes to see Rosamund.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, wanted to, and did, savour it over and over again.

Favorite Book Of All Time!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Love this book so much. Would definitely recommend and have before.

What other book might you compare Middlemarch to and why?

Nothing really...

Any additional comments?

I re-read this book every few years because my interpretation of it has varied in every stage of my life. A fantastic layered story - highly recommend.

Love Kate Reading

When I saw that Kate Reading reads the free Audible version of Middlemarch it was a no brainer to supplement the physical copy. Love her readings of Wheel of Time, and she ruled on this too. Great book, great narration.

Ugh!

I bought this because I thought it seemed a good value for the money. Not only is the subject matter a snooze, the author is dry and droll. I am using it to put myself to sleep at night.

Disappointed by reader

Would you try another book from George Eliot and/or Kate Reading?

I've listened to Kate Reading before and very much liked her readings, but this one didn't work for me. Juliet Stevenson's version is much better.

Not my sort of book

Based on the reviews I thought this would be an interesting historical work, but I don't think its my sort of book. I listened to the first 5 hours or so and couldn't get into it. I couldn't relate to the charecters or find any intriquing plot.

a classic disappointment

What would have made Middlemarch better?

Either a much shorter book or much more interesting characters. I cheered the ending--because it was the end, not because it had a good ending. The story read like a soap opera without the titillation.

Has Middlemarch turned you off from other books in this genre?

Absolutely.

Would you be willing to try another one of Kate Reading’s performances?

Perhaps.

What character would you cut from Middlemarch?

George Eliot (the author)

Any additional comments?

I very rarely fail to finish a book, but this one came really close to reaching that level. I wished I had stopped after part 1, but I had heard how great the book was and figured it was just a slow starter. By the final part all hope of greatness was over, but finishing it was like completing a race--in mud.

Falls Apart Fast

The first half of this book is a 5 star wonder. Deep psychology, interesting, breezes along, seemingly original characters. The trouble is, that for some reason, the book breaks down. The most interesting characters are sterilized and sent off to foreign countries and you are left with gossipy judgemental old women and horrible tedious scenes which go nowhere, and were obvious from the first time two characters met. I mean, you know how it will all play out, and still, there is excruciating detail to get you there. This starts out as a book written for adults, and winds down into one written for teenagers in a religious education class, about on the level of a brochure telling young people why they will go blind if they masturbate. I just kept fast forwarding and wondering what happened? You would not guess the book to have all been written by the same author.