Middlemarch

By: George Eliot

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 35 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Dorothea Brooke is an ardent idealist who represses her vivacity and intelligence for the cold, theological pedant Casaubon. One man understands her true nature: the artist Will Ladislaw. But how can love triumph against her sense of duty and Casaubon’s mean spirit? Meanwhile, in the little world of Middlemarch, the broader world is mirrored: the world of politics, social change, and reforms, as well as betrayal, greed, blackmail, ambition, and disappointment.

Dorothea Brooke is an outstanding heroine; Middlemarch is filled with characters that are vivid and true, comic and moving. It is one of the greatest novels in the English language.

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Public Domain (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks

Juliet Stevenson is a genius

Ordinarily, I would begin a review with an evaluation of the actual book rather than the narrator but in this case, Stevenson was SUCH a standout that I had to begin with her. To say that she inhabits each character fully is to sell her performance short. I remember Stevenson from the movie version of Emma in which she plays Mrs. Elton so wonderfully snarky and politely arrogant. But this narration shows her talents to a greater degree. Not only does each character have a different sounding voice, but one can practically hear their thoughts as Stevenson brings them to life.

What is so perfect about this amazing performance is that it makes a somewhat challenging novel much easier to manage. There are so many characters and so many story lines that Eliot brings together so beautifully (eventually) that a reader can easily lose track. Several of the characters are not easy to like, a few are like-able at first and then become less so, some are not like-able at first and grow on you. It is a lot to keep up with. But the story is well worth the investment. Eliot is wise and funny. Her take on the relationships between men and women is insightful. Well-deserving of its status as one of the greatest books ever written.

I gave the story only 4 stars because there isn't much that actually "happens." It is not an exciting story. The story is really in the every day happenings of the characters. That is where the true genius lies.

Kick-ass 19th century love story

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

Indeed I would. It's entertaining, it's funny, it's engaging, and informative. There is a reason that this is the classic of classics. It kept me in a daze for a week, couldn't go anywhere without it!

What other book might you compare Middlemarch to and why?

Everything by Jane Austen and the Brontës of course, the dry humor is akin to that in E.M.Forster's works, and it also reminds me of the drama of Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg. But this is not only great literature - it's incredibly funny too.

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

Juliet Stevenson is just perfect. All the sociolects and dialects of the characters, the understated humour and the hyperboles fit perfectly into her way of performing this story. Brilliant.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All the hilarious dialogues between members of the rural community speculating on this and that, one character sillier than the next, and Juliet Stevenson's fantastic dialect interpretations of the Middlemarchers.

Choose your spouses wisely!

If you could sum up Middlemarch in three words, what would they be?

True love hurts.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dorothea Brooke Casaubon. She really grows on you. When the story begins you think "what a little nun" but after all she goes through you really want her life to turn out well. She chooses an older religious man because she wants to help him with his work. However, Mr. Casaubon is so selfish and unworthy of her love that he twists everything she does into something false and shameful. It's very painful to listen to.

As the story goes on Dorothea changes into a strong and vibrant woman that everyone respects. A true heroine!

Which scene was your favorite?

I think my favorite scene was when Dorothea goes to talk to Rosamund Lydgate again and explain to her how much faith she has in her husband's skills as a doctor. Rosamund, unfortunately is so selfish and silly that poor Dr. Lydgate has to give up his dream of scientific discovery in order to make money so his vain wife will be happy. But the scene with Dorothea was wonderful.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many characters in this book were so filled out. My favorite couple in the book was Mary Garth and Fred Vincy. I am so happy they end up together.

Any additional comments?

This is one my favorite books now! I have never read any George Eliot before, but I will be sure to read more now! Highly recommended!

Lovely! I'm a fan -- Of both Eliot and Stevenson

If you could sum up Middlemarch in three words, what would they be?

How I got through a northeastern U.S. liberal arts education without reading Middlemarch, I can't quite figure. Eliot runs rings around the more popular Dickens in terms of lyrical writing and character development; and she beautifully fleshes out the interior of life of middle- to upper-class women in Victorian England. However, this is not action packed to say the least. And while some of the caricatures are amusing, if not quite Dickensian, the entertainment is there.

What did you like best about this story?

The genius of the writing, the very subtle yet profound humor, and the 360-degree compassion for even the most flawed characters. Eliot exhibits amazing intellect and facility with narrative.

What does Juliet Stevenson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Stevenson's performance was exquisite and really flawless. It was almost as amazing as the writing. She naturally gives voice to a variety of characters such that you always know who's speaking, male or female, without noticing the reader - a key success of the piece. The longer passages come to life beautifully. In the hands of a lesser talent these might not have been so dazzling. LOVELY!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sometimes the most profound force of nature is an interior whisper.

Any additional comments?

Thank you!

Excellence in every detail

This is one of the best read audiobooks of all time. The language, characters and story are simply transfixing.

Juliet Stevenson is THE BEST Reader!

Rather than simply read the text, Juliet Stevenson creates distinct voices for all of the characters, and maintains each voice throughout the 95+ chapters of this story. Absolutely magnificently performed! I will be listening to this again and again.

Thank you!

Perfection

I could listen to this audiobook over and over; never getting tired or bored. George Eliot's Middlemarch is in itself a wonder and a must read. Beautifully narrated by Ms Stevenson (she is one of my all time favorites) with her perfect pitch of characters, she renders an already luscious tale with melodious perfection. All I can add is thank you!

Compelling characters & worldview, great narration

Actor Juliet Stevenson is a terrific narrator - her variety of character voices is reminiscent of Jim Dale's in the Harry Potter series. Her performance makes this classic book even more enthralling.

Best narrator ever!

Loved Juliet Stevenson’s rendition pf this classic work of fiction! She brought every character to life and told the story with a true understanding of Eliot’s intentions or at least what I perceive them to be.

Wonderful!

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

Not necessarily.....a book written in 1871 just isn't for everyone....

What did you like best about this story?

I loved everything....the narrator, the language, the portrayal of society, the high values, the flawed human nature....truly the best book I've ever been exposed to. I intend to purchase the print version as beautifully bound as I can find! Simply loved it!

Which character – as performed by Juliet Stevenson – was your favorite?

I dearly loved the portrayal voice of Mr. Brooke, as well as the portrayal of Mr. Casaubon. Such unique voices, with such clear character portrayal.