What a book this was! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the almost two weeks that I spent reading it. Wow! This is one of those books that I had been meaning to read for years, but I never picked it up. I guess it just goes to the concept that I have mentioned here more than once, you read books at just the right time for you. I think one of the reasons that I kept putting off reading MIDDLESEX was the subject matter. Did I really want to read a book about hermaphroditism? The answer was a resounding YES. Jeffrey Eugenides' book is about a hermaphrodite, but it is also an enthralling family saga. I love that. Family sagas were some of my favorite books in the '80's. I know that probably everyone has already read MIDDLESEX, but if you haven't, let me encourage you to make the time (it is a long book, over 500 pages). I don't think you will regret it. Cal is one of those character that I will remember always, along with that quirky Greek-American family: Milt, Tessie, Desdemona, Lefty, Chapter Eleven, Father Mike, Aunt Zo and on and on. I also enjoyed all the descriptions of the Greco-Turkish War, Detroit over several decades, San Francisco, just a host of things. MIDDLESEX will go on my list of "best books of 2008" without a doubt.
From the publisher:
MIDDLESEX tells the breathtaking story of Calliope Stephanides, and three generations of the Greek-American Stephanides family, who travel from a tiny village overlooking Mount Olympus in Asia Minor to Prohibition-era Detroit, witnessing its glory days as the Motor City, and the race riots of 1967, before they move out to the tree-lined streets of suburban Grosse Pointe, Michigan. To understand why Calliope is not like other girls, she has to uncover a guilty family secret, and the astonishing genetic history that turns Callie into Cal, one of the most audacious and wondrous narrators in contemporary fiction. Lyrical and thrilling, MIDDLESEX is an exhilarating reinvention of the America epic.
This one was not for me. I rated it a 2.5/5 and was so glad when it was over (audiobook). I have a friend that is currently reading it and having trouble getting through it, as well. It's such a bummer when you invest so much time in a book and don't enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI am, however, so happy that you (and others) loved it. I would prefer to be in your camp. :)
What a great review, Kay! I thoroughly enjoyed this book when I read it and it is among my favorites. I especially loved how the author captured Cal's life with historical tidbits as well.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you are the lucky winner of The Remedy in my giveaway. Congratulations! If you could just e-mail me your mailing address, I'll get it in the mail to you.
literaryfeline[at]gmail[dot]com
Joy, I understand completely. You know, I'm really glad that we all have our rainbow of tastes in books. It sure would be dull if we didn't. And...not every book speaks to every reader. Thanks for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteWendy, I can't believe I won THE REMEDY! You had so many people enter your contest. Well, I'll be glad to add it to me list and I'll send you my address as requested. Thanks so much!!!
And here, I'm the opposite of Joy, because I especially enjoyed the audio beook version. I thought the reader did an incredible job with the voices, so he really captured all of the colorful characters. It is one of my all time favorite audiobooks.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking at this book for a long time, intending to read it but being intimidated by the subject matter. This review takes away my hesitancy! And I might just follow Rose City Reader's lead and listen to the audiobook! Thanks for a great review.
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ReplyDeleteIt's not that I didn't like the audio version - I just didn't care for the book in general.
Now I'm intrigued. I've not read "Middlesex" so thanks for the review. It's going on my to-be-read list!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm glad you enjoyed this as much as I did. In a word, I'd have to say it was unexpected. I really had no idea what the book was about, other than it was about a hermaphrodite. But it was so much more than that, wasn't it?! I loved the saga, as well as the history that was woven throughout the story. It was one of my favorites (last year?). Have you read his other book (The Virgin Suicides)? I plan to someday.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments! I think that this book is one of those that provokes some kind of a strong response in the reader. It may be a good one or it may not be, but I think some books just elicit major feelings. I appreciate everyone sharing their reactions and am glad that some will at least try it out.
ReplyDeleteP.S. On my blog anniversary (late April), I'm going to give away my copy to someone. So, those of you who haven't read it might want to watch for that. I'm also going to give away 3 others books. I'm looking forward to that!
Les, I haven't read THE VIRGIN SUICIDES. I did see the movie and, again, strong response. Not sure I will pick up the book, but it was praised highly by one of my young co-workers.
ReplyDeleteYea! I absolutely loved this book and count it among my favorites. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, it's really a unique story.
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