Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex


One of the best books I have read in a long, long time

I actually have several books I should be writing reviews of...at least 4 on queue. But I'm having trouble getting inspired because the books themselves were not the most inspiring.

Not so Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex. My expectations were somewhat guarded. After all, how often does something live up to the hype? And Middlesex is accompanied by loads of hype, not least of which is the Pulitzer Prize. But I've read many a Prize-winner that left me cold. Not only that, but I wasn't a huge fan of Eugenides' other big novel, The Virgin Suicides.

So, I can't state strongly enough how much this book won me over and overwhelmed me. The dense beautiful writing is imaginative and vivid. The characters quirky but believable within the construct of the story. The various devices and conceits of the book's structure feel original and necessary.

Yes the story on its face is a bit out there: follow the tale of a young hermaphrodite, starting decades before her/his birth. No matter: in Cal, Eugenides has created a character of uncommon strength and touching vulnerability. Yes, the story follows couples where their experiences of the vagaries of love are perhaps a bit more outlandish than most. No matter: it is an epic tale sweeping across continents that still somehow feels like it is happening right around the corner from you. This book reminded me of some of the great modern American epics...like Ragtime, as one example. Weaving modern history that we all remember (from our history books if not our own lives) into the story of how one fictional extended family experiences that history.

Great story, intriguing characters, the best book I have read in a long long time. Couldn't wait top pass it along to someone else (as is my wont) and so gave it to the woman sitting next to me on the plane coming home to San Jose from Austin this week.

I recommend you all run out and read this if you haven't already.

Buy Middlesex at Amazon.com

Posted: Thu - March 16, 2006 at 10:41 PM       EmailFeedback

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