REVIEW: Middlemarch (George Eliot)

Book: Middlemarch

Author: George Eliot

Premise: In the town of Middlemarch is a diverse landscape of lives. From young idealist Dorothea Brooke on her search for intellectual fulfillment; to the charming but tactless Dr Lydgate, whose pioneering medical methods, combined with an imprudent marriage, threaten to undermine his career.

This is a chunky read and not one for the faint hearted. The story follows a whole host of characters but seems to centre on Dorothea, Dr Lydgate and their respective circles. It covers the topics such as marriage and debt, and as well as various social issues. I was surprised by how witty the writing was and I found myself chuckling at some character descriptions. You do get invested in the characters and the gossiping side characters give you a real sense of life in a small rural town. An enjoyable read.