Middlesex: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club) by Jeffrey Eugenides
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Book Reviews of Middlesex: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club)
Book Review: Hardly a Greek Tragedy
Summary: 5 Stars
I heard the author Jeffrey Eugenides interviewed on NPR when his book first came out, and I was sort of repulsed by the word or use of it "hermaphrodite."Probably prejudice on my part...so I totally ignored any more listening of the comme nts. A couple years later I came across the book at the Boston Museum of Fine Art. They had enlarged their book section fr all art stuff to a complete bookstore.All I had to do was read the first page, and I was hooked....it mentions Petoskey Michigan, and since I live near that charming little town on Lake Michigan up north, I bought the book. The book was an absolute delight, with all the historical sidelights of the Detroit area and a wry look at the Greek cultural heritage in that part of our country....if you know Greek people, it is all very realistic. like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, another entertaining bit of Greek culture.I seldom read fiction and I used to teach Literature which included fiction quite often. But Middlesex is a real gem of the fiction lists. I highly recommend it.Book Review: MIDDLESEX
Summary: 5 Stars
Middlesex is an amazing epic journey of three generations of Greek Americans, told through the eyes of Cal Stephanides, whose uniqueness he works to come to terms with. Eugenides makes Detroit and it's 20th century history a major part of the book, it's a character in its own right. I liked how the book goes forward and backward in time and the mix of first and third person, it's a unique way of writing. Cal discusses his family and what he experiences with candidness and wonder. One of the great things about this book is how the reader never knows which way the story will go, there are several turnes you could never predict. Eugenides enfuses Cal with humor and the book never strays deep into melancholy, even as some tragic events occur. I listened to this book on audio, I had heard that the audio version had won an award as well, and I can attest that the reader Christoper Tabori, is fanstastic, he is perfect for this book, I highly recommend the audio version, it makes this wonderful book come alive.Book Review: Wonderful!!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was so good that it gave me goosebumps. I highly recommend MIDDLESEX to anyone.
It is about a person, Cal, who has a genetic disability-hermaphroditism. It traces Cal's family history-beginning with his grandparents life in Bithynios (Greece) to when they immigrated to Detroit (America). Cal's parents' marriage and his own childhood are explained. Then, Cal's disability is recognized and he learns to adjust to his life.
The reader is entertained though the use of elaborate descriptions of history and life. The author must be well-read and he must travel a lot because he easily paints such beautiful and real scenery.
I loved this work of art. We are all ruled by our genes-our gentic make-up make us each what we are. This book is so wonderful-a masterpiece.
My book is Dreams in August: Life, Love, and Cerebellar Ataxia
Book Review: You lose yourself in this book
Summary: 5 Stars
When you purchase a book its because you were attracted to it some how. You feel a connection with the description. I include in my search reading the reviews. This book had so many I made it to about page two. I thought it was worth the read.
This book brings you through 3 generations of Greek heritage. It shows you that love knows no bounds and ignorance is bliss. It gives you three characters to identify with, to feel how they felt, to make decisions as they made decisions, to cry with them, laugh with them, die with them.
While reading this book I found it interesting to hear from the mouth of an unborn child, but at the same time I found it fasciinating. I didn't have to think, it flowed naturally.
I recommend this book because it put you in another land, it gives you a history lesson, it gives you a glimps into a family. It transforms you into an instant family member without having the emotional baggage.
Book Review: Great Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
Definitely a must read. Middlesex has echoes of Wally Lamb's great novel, "I Know This Much Is True," which I also highly recommend.
A moving portrait of the Stephanides family and their immigration to America from Greece, the novel focuses primarily on the character of Calliope Stephanides, whose agonizingly awkward adolescence is both embarrassingly familiar and simultaneously foreign and astonishing. I don't want to give too much of the plot away although this novel does not rely on the element of surprise to keep you captivated. Jeffrey Eugenides has delivered a thoroughly satisfying and believable story despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the life of Calliope and her family.
As much a coming of age story as the ever was, Middlesex is more than that, it's a story about coming into oneself with as much truth and dignity as possible and not shying away from a life that can sometimes throw you for a loop.