As the back of the novel states, “this book is about a small provincial town right before the Great Reform Bill of the 1830s, in England.” During this historical period, “Middlemarch” takes a look at the daily lives of several different members of the community, and their prides and struggles before, during and after the reform.
I appreciated the in-depth analysis of the fictional characters and their motivations, as well as the range of emotions that humans experience during their lifespan.
Three words that describe this book: Unforgettable, Historic, Charming
You might want to pick this book up if: I would argue that if you are a fan of historical fiction, this a good read for you, but with the caveat that the surrounding events of this time period are not necessarily center stage, but subtly shape the opinions, experiences, and reactions of the main characters.
This book also has a massive cottage core vibe, which has made a comeback in recent years. There is a certain romanticism to the provincial life — sprawling country sides, slower days, leisure activities that focus on relationships, bonnets and hats. Even the idea of poverty and the poor working class is viewed through a romantic lens — which is problematic, but still the case for this novel.
-Kylie
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
