YES. YES. YES. "Also because it's so fucking well written. Every sentence could be put in a frame on your wall." I know that this isn't the best reason to read a book, but I kept thinking "I am this character! I have had these exact thoughts and feelings! Just, articulated with less beautiful grammar." and the thing that was really incredible was that I would think it about one character, then immediately think it about the character with which that first character is in conflict! I have never loved a novel more.
What surprised me about Middlemarch was how EVERY SCENE was built on CONFLICT. The conflict might be minor or large, but in every scene there is some character saying NO to some other character. That conflict drove the story for me. Very cleverly done!
I read Middlemarch last summer before I discovered your channel. It indeed is perhaps the greatest novel of them all. It deals with any sort of theme you can think of, and the complex study of characters and life that is presented is inspiring and life changing. Truly one of the novels that everyone should consider reading at some point. There are couple of other novels like this, a few that you have already mentioned. Cheers for the very enjoyable and insightful video on an even more enjoyable and insightful novel.
Good review, as ever! I agree that George Eliot is very good at revealing the subtleties of the motivation process. She shows how we move from one very firmly held position to its opposite without that change of position being 'hypocritical' in the usual sense of the word.
Good book. Everything you said. I've been reading it for years and as I grow older I identify with different characters; they're timeless in their humanity.I'm enjoying your work, BC, and enjoying watching you over time. Really good. You're English is tops -- or I've started thinking with an Italian accent. Keep on.
+The_Bookchemist Me too. I don't know many people who have similar taste in literature. You and I have very similar tastes: IJ is my favourite book also; and I love Lovecraft, RPGs, Postmodernism, Board Games (especially Game of Thrones and Eclipse)...LOL So I value your opinions! They are meaningful in my next book choosing xD
Middlemarch is probably my favorite book. I first read it when I was 20 and have read it or parts of it every year or two since then for 50 years. I like the way you talk about it. It will change for you over time, and just gets richer.
I'm sure it will :). I don't know if I mention this in the video, but I read the second half of Middlemarch over the course of a single weekend. Next time I'd like to stretch the reading experience over at least a month, and indulge in it fully.
Yes, indulgence is a good word for it. Sometimes I think of a scene and take out the book to read it, but then I just keep going, with that feeling of settling into a warm bath - luxuriating in the language and depths of it.
I started reading Middlemarch because I thought I should. It ended up becoming almost part of my life and I can honestly say that it is one of the best books I've ever written! I used to think that Dickens was the best writer of his age but now I know it is Elliot holds that title. I'll read Adam Beade now after your tip! 👍
I'm reading it now and love it. Based on the first 200 pages, I think the fact that it was serialized gave Eliot the freedom to break in style - at least between Book I and Book II. In Book II she reveals herself to be the omniscient narrator and speaks directly to the reader to, I think, absolutely hilarious effect. She gossips about characters (you wouldn't know about this embarrassing episode in Dr. Lydgate's past so let me tell you about it) and weighs in on issues. By giving us loads of background information on what everyone was reading I was able to get a real sense of what it would have felt like to have dinner with some of these folks. It's a brilliant novel.
Middlemarch has the most wholesome characterization of any novel I've read. It's definitely a greater book than War and Peace; but Anna Karenina may be the only 19th century work that rivals it. ; )
+J Price I have read Anna Karenina and... yeah you're pretty right I guess! I might just pick Middlemarch if forced, but it' probably because I've read it way more recently than AK and it's still rather fresh in my mind!
George Eliot is a literary giant for me this year, having just discovered her in Jan. Absolutely love this brick of a book and didn't think there was any other that could surpassed it. Till I read Daniel Deronda and Romola. And love all 3 equally! Could you kindly consider reviewing DD and R?
This was my first read by George Eliot. I enjoyed the book and blazed through the last two books because I had to know how it all turned out! I've added Adam Bede to my TBR list already.
One of the best books ever. I prefer it to War and Peace and Anna K. Perhaps Moby Dick compares, although it is so unusual and each is so great (and share many central themes) it’s hard to compare them.
Enjoyed the video. As usual tend to agree with your comments. Read Middlemarch 40 years ago and loved it then! The Mill on the Floss is also a good read. Silas Marner is good for the most part and a short read if you need a George Eliot fix. So after seeing your video this morning I went to the local Thrift shop and picked up Middlemarch and Daniel Deronda (Aus$2.50@ = USD $3@). I have had Adam Abede in my ebook library for years but just won't get around to it. The book stockpile is growing! and I blame you!
Actually, I loved it, (I so identified with Dorothea). Believe it or not, it was the first book I read where I understood why people read literature. Also, I was so impressed, I thought that George Eliot could live with me and I would take care of her so that she could write. Daniel Deronda is amazingg as well. I thought the BBC versions are awesome as well, perfectly cast and so well done
I picked up Middlemarch after watching your first review of the book, and I have to admit that I was fucking blown away. The characters are the just very, very real and the prose style is great, too. The only slow parts of the book, I think, are about Arthur Brooke's political adventures. You've been bashing Franzen quite a bit lately. :P Middlemarch, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, and the mighty Gravity's Rainbow: thank you for all the excellent recommendations! :D
+Asher Deep Ahah you're right, I don't know what's wrong with me :P I used to hate people who talk shit about Franzen all the time (there are quite a few around!) but I guess I'm slowly turning into one myself! Cheers by the way - I'm glad I could be of help :)!
I have read it. I am a little surprised it is rated quite as highly as it is. I suppose it is about frustrated lives. People want to be good and do great things but don't quite manage it.
I just so happen to have my goodreads open and this is what I wrote as my excuse for not finishing: I got about 20 percent in and well, I've read parts of this book in every other classic book I've ever read. I'm tired of reading books about foolish people who go into debt, who have the wrong idea of marriage and find out too late, etc. etc. Every Victorian novel, ever. Unpopular opinion, I guess. I think I wasn't in the mood... I may pick it up again at some point
YES. YES. YES. "Also because it's so fucking well written. Every sentence could be put in a frame on your wall." I know that this isn't the best reason to read a book, but I kept thinking "I am this character! I have had these exact thoughts and feelings! Just, articulated with less beautiful grammar." and the thing that was really incredible was that I would think it about one character, then immediately think it about the character with which that first character is in conflict! I have never loved a novel more.
What surprised me about Middlemarch was how EVERY SCENE was built on CONFLICT. The conflict might be minor or large, but in every scene there is some character saying NO to some other character. That conflict drove the story for me. Very cleverly done!
I read Middlemarch last summer before I discovered your channel. It indeed is perhaps the greatest novel of them all. It deals with any sort of theme you can think of, and the complex study of characters and life that is presented is inspiring and life changing. Truly one of the novels that everyone should consider reading at some point. There are couple of other novels like this, a few that you have already mentioned.
Cheers for the very enjoyable and insightful video on an even more enjoyable and insightful novel.
Simon mumu Greatest novel of them all 🙌
Excellent, thank you!
I read a couple of years Middlemarch and I agree that it is a masterpiece. It is one of my all time favorite novels. It is a wonderful love story.
Jonny Keen I read Middlemarch this year and it's now my favorite classic.
So glad to find your channel!
Good review, as ever! I agree that George Eliot is very good at revealing the subtleties of the motivation process. She shows how we move from one very firmly held position to its opposite without that change of position being 'hypocritical' in the usual sense of the word.
Good book. Everything you said. I've been reading it for years and as I grow older I identify with different characters; they're timeless in their humanity.I'm enjoying your work, BC, and enjoying watching you over time. Really good. You're English is tops -- or I've started thinking with an Italian accent. Keep on.
+Lynda O Thanks a lot :)!
+The_Bookchemist Me too. I don't know many people who have similar taste in literature. You and I have very similar tastes: IJ is my favourite book also; and I love Lovecraft, RPGs, Postmodernism, Board Games (especially Game of Thrones and Eclipse)...LOL
So I value your opinions! They are meaningful in my next book choosing xD
Every sentence in this book is beautiful. Love Middlemarch!
Middlemarch is probably my favorite book. I first read it when I was 20 and have read it or parts of it every year or two since then for 50 years. I like the way you talk about it. It will change for you over time, and just gets richer.
I'm sure it will :). I don't know if I mention this in the video, but I read the second half of Middlemarch over the course of a single weekend. Next time I'd like to stretch the reading experience over at least a month, and indulge in it fully.
Yes, indulgence is a good word for it. Sometimes I think of a scene and take out the book to read it, but then I just keep going, with that feeling of settling into a warm bath - luxuriating in the language and depths of it.
Nobody yet appears to have mentioned how witty and downright funny it can be. I actually found it supremely entertaining with no longueurs at all.
Book IS addictive as the plot thickens
I remember being glued (a 21 yr old ) so it IS
I started reading Middlemarch because I thought I should. It ended up becoming almost part of my life and I can honestly say that it is one of the best books I've ever written! I used to think that Dickens was the best writer of his age but now I know it is Elliot holds that title. I'll read Adam Beade now after your tip! 👍
I'm reading it now and love it. Based on the first 200 pages, I think the fact that it was serialized gave Eliot the freedom to break in style - at least between Book I and Book II. In Book II she reveals herself to be the omniscient narrator and speaks directly to the reader to, I think, absolutely hilarious effect. She gossips about characters (you wouldn't know about this embarrassing episode in Dr. Lydgate's past so let me tell you about it) and weighs in on issues. By giving us loads of background information on what everyone was reading I was able to get a real sense of what it would have felt like to have dinner with some of these folks. It's a brilliant novel.
Middlemarch has the most wholesome characterization of any novel I've read. It's definitely a greater book than War and Peace; but Anna Karenina may be the only 19th century work that rivals it. ; )
+J Price I have read Anna Karenina and... yeah you're pretty right I guess! I might just pick Middlemarch if forced, but it' probably because I've read it way more recently than AK and it's still rather fresh in my mind!
Don't overlook Moby Dick
George Eliot is a literary giant for me this year, having just discovered her in Jan. Absolutely love this brick of a book and didn't think there was any other that could surpassed it. Till I read Daniel Deronda and Romola. And love all 3 equally! Could you kindly consider reviewing DD and R?
This was my first read by George Eliot. I enjoyed the book and blazed through the last two books because I had to know how it all turned out! I've added Adam Bede to my TBR list already.
One of the best books ever. I prefer it to War and Peace and Anna K. Perhaps Moby Dick compares, although it is so unusual and each is so great (and share many central themes) it’s hard to compare them.
Enjoyed the video. As usual tend to agree with your comments. Read Middlemarch 40 years ago and loved it then! The Mill on the Floss is also a good read. Silas Marner is good for the most part and a short read if you need a George Eliot fix. So after seeing your video this morning I went to the local Thrift shop and picked up Middlemarch and Daniel Deronda (Aus$2.50@ = USD $3@). I have had Adam Abede in my ebook library for years but just won't get around to it. The book stockpile is growing! and I blame you!
Georgejazz56 Adam Bede is a very good read. Beautiful and quotable.
The door bell was right on time:D
Actually, I loved it, (I so identified with Dorothea). Believe it or not, it was the first book I read where I understood why people read literature. Also, I was so impressed, I thought that George Eliot could live with me and I would take care of her so that she could write. Daniel Deronda is amazingg as well. I thought the BBC versions are awesome as well, perfectly cast and so well done
I picked up Middlemarch after watching your first review of the book, and I have to admit that I was fucking blown away. The characters are the just very, very real and the prose style is great, too. The only slow parts of the book, I think, are about Arthur Brooke's political adventures.
You've been bashing Franzen quite a bit lately. :P
Middlemarch, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, and the mighty Gravity's Rainbow: thank you for all the excellent recommendations! :D
+Asher Deep Ahah you're right, I don't know what's wrong with me :P I used to hate people who talk shit about Franzen all the time (there are quite a few around!) but I guess I'm slowly turning into one myself!
Cheers by the way - I'm glad I could be of help :)!
0:20 'Cup of tea' is better!
Yes Middlemarch is awesome.
I just finished reading MIDDLEMARCH. I am sad because it ended. I feel lost. Can you recommend another book that good?
Have you read Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake?
I liked Middlemarch because of all the messed up loves. I really loved this book, all that gossiping and bitching. Pretty good social commentary
Sometimes our intelligence can make us impervious to real phenomenons if they don't make mathematical sense in terms of rational probability.
I have read it. I am a little surprised it is rated quite as highly as it is. I suppose it is about frustrated lives. People want to be good and do great things but don't quite manage it.
You're perspsctive and comments are spot on. Except, I find it very easy to hate Rosamund!
BOARD GAME REVIEWS PLEASE.
I just so happen to have my goodreads open and this is what I wrote as my excuse for not finishing: I got about 20 percent in and well, I've read parts of this book in every other classic book I've ever read. I'm tired of reading books about foolish people who go into debt, who have the wrong idea of marriage and find out too late, etc. etc. Every Victorian novel, ever.
Unpopular opinion, I guess. I think I wasn't in the mood... I may pick it up again at some point
War & Peace is third rate so not the best book to compare with; what about any of Austen's?
It was torture.
No need to curse, so why waste your time reading beautiful words
I have no respect for people who use gutter language to describe literary masterpieces.