7.22.2008

middlesex by jeffrey euginedes

I recently finished reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides and am so excited about the book, I'd like to share my review. If you're not a member of goodreads, you should check it out!

Middlesex Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides


My review


rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am SO into this book...I know I'm reading it ultra-late and missed the book club discussion, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the first half. I remember someone saying that there are too many details at club...but that's the part that I like. I feel a part of Cal's life...his family...his creation...I really really like it.





LATER...as I got into the meat of this story, i was humbled by facts about a type of person I hardly knew existed. i was CONSTANTLY going through different historical sections finding out what actually happened...the history of the fire at Smyrna in 1922, the history of the battle between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus in 1974...the history of hermaphrodites in the US and all over the world...



many people who have reviewed this novel comment on not being able to get into it at the beginning or finding it too detailed or being disappointed with the ending...however...i can't help but think so much of the detail of the geneaology of Cal was so necessary for the story.



i retold the book as i read it on my own to my boyfriend. i was reliving what happened to calliope and then cal with very vivid details because i felt as if i had become part of his life. gregg told me tonight that he was disappointed with the ending because nothing pivotal happened and a small argument ensued. i very firmly believe that the end of the story was quite monumental. many readers had forgotten about desdemona, but i kept wondering what had happened to her. i was so excited when cal mentioned her concerning the funeral...and to hear des come around...blame herself, understand, and continue to care about cal...man, that was the clincher for me. i was sitting at red light, reading the last 3 pages...tears rolling down my cheeks. i think of all people, after cal had felt like such a "monster" and ran away...to have desdemona accept him...i think that was monumental.



this story was definitely one of my absolute favorites. i loved this book.


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