Middlemarch

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks

First but not the last time I'll read this.

I am embarrassed to say that until a month ago I had not read this novel. It was frustrating at times to see women characters I liked be frustrated by norms and the cultural rules of the early 19th century. Interior thought and dialogue are not new but they were when this was written and to see and feel this characters grow is pleasant and at times annoying because you worry that people will be hurt or worse b y 'small minded-nosey people.' I'm glad it worked out in the end.

Perfect narration!

Worthy of the time honored accolades. The characters will stay with you as you meet them in your own life : )

Masterpiece of English literature read perfectly

Never cease to be amazed and enamored with Juliet Stevenson's reading...and with such exquisitely crafted prose it brought tears to my eyes during even the most mundane parts of the story. Not the most quest-filled adventure of all time to say the least, more of a dramatic slice of life, but it did have a beginning, middle and end that were most enjoyable ;-)

Wonderful rendition of a great novel

The narration of this classic novel was so wonderful. Juliet Stevenson is a great character actress and she plays all of the myriad large and small roles to perfection here. This is one of the greatest novels in the English language, and she does it justice. Brilliant!

An essential Victorian novel, superbly read.

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

George Eliot must be one of the most gorgeous prose stylists who ever wrote in English. Her psychological insights are astounding. But just looking at the many pages and the small print in the book itself is daunting -- so it's lovely to have it read to you by a first-rate reader.

What other book might you compare Middlemarch to and why?

I think the brilliant novels of Edith Wharton -- especially "The House of Mirth." But, because of the complex double- and triple-plotting, something by Dickens is probably the closest match. To me Eliot is superior to Dickens.

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

Stevenson is a superb reader, but I think her male voices are a bit exaggerated and often do not fit my visual image of the characters. Her female voices (surprise!) are the most effective. This temptation of readers to "act" everything out is often more of a distraction than an asset.

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

The entire saga of Dorothea Casaubon is a moving feminist statement, but Eliot carefully balances this with the saga of the young doctor, Tertius Lydgate. The plotting is amazingly good.

Any additional comments?

One of the great books in English. Belongs on a Top Ten list.