A review by hanzy
Middlemarch by George Eliot

5.0

This is a genius work of literature, a masterpiece. For those wishing to read, I recommend taking some time to understand the background, for this book, as its subtitle states is 'A study of provincial life' during an era of reforms and change. I started this book blind(hadn't even read the blurb), but a few chapters in, I had to pause and reconsider what I was getting into. There's much depth to it where we see a sort of emotional evolution of the characters with political and psychological underpinnings. Rich complex characters, and no singular protagonist. I'd say 'provincial life' could possibly be the protagonist of this book. Everything is purposeful - from the prelude to the finale, the literary devices used, just everything. I've never read a book like this one before. While I could see a resemblance to Jane Austen's works at the beginning of the book (courtship, familial ties, etc.), it goes much deeper and more complex in comparison. It's a book I'm certain I'll be coming back to.