My book group is wanting to read a George Eliot novel. Since we are new to her work would you recommend Middlemarch or Daniel Deronda for our first?
My book group is wanting to read a George Eliot novel. Since we are new to her work would you recommend Middlemarch or Daniel Deronda for our first?
Middlemarch (but I love Daniel Deronda; it just isn’t on the “all time greatest novels” list as high up as Middlemarch is).
If you’re interested, a year or so ago undergrad drama majors at Yale turned Middlemarch into a vlog serial (mostly just actors speaking to the camera) with episodes of 5-7 minutes in length. It’s fascinating how they came up with credible contemporary parallels to the elements of the plot:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC44blTsagDtFrhejSvAenzg
I’d also suggest Middlemarch.
Definitely Middlemarch. Daniel Deronda is fascinating but flawed.
Middlemarch is more accessible
On second thought, if you are new to Eliot, I would highly recommend her short novel Silas Marner. It is beautiful and moving and raises wonderful discussion questions. I have taught it in a program for adults on low incomes, some of whom have not completed high school and it was a delight for many of them.
@Mary it’s such a heartwarming tale and finally a happy ending
@Kristen Maybe that is something I will read on my own later when I want a good cry.
I have read Adam Bede and this classic did not disappoint. George Eliot has such a wonderful way with words, albeit a bit sad, I certainly loved the story.
” I like breakfast-time better than any other moment in the day, said Mr Irwine. No dust has settled on one’s mind then, and it presents a clear mirror to the ray of things.” Page 214
On heritage, a masterful description see pg 84 “…..The father to whom we owe our best heritage- the mechanical instinct, the keen sensibility to harmony, the unconscious skill of the modelling hand – galls us, and puts us to shame by his daily errors; the long lost mother, whose face we begin to see in the glass as our own wrinkles come, once fretted our young souls with her anxious humours and irrational persistence.” Lisbeth was that mother….
Well, I’d prefer Middlemarch.
Middlemarch
Middlemarch!
I loved both Middlemarch and Silas Marner. (I haven’t read Daniel Deronda.) My first Eliot was Middlemarch, back in college. It’s a good introduction.
Middlemarch
Middlemarch but Silas Marner would be a good one to introduce you to her books!
Middlemarch
I would definitely recommend Silas Marner as a first if you are new to her books. I found it profoundly moving.
I LOVE Middlemarch, but as an introduction to Eliot I would recommend Silas Marner instead. Fantastic book. Much smaller and easier to get into as a first read from Eliot.
I agree with the Silas Marner crowd!
I have added Silas Marner to my tbr list too. Often happens in these threads.
Middlemarch.
@Mary love Silas Marner
Middlemarch
Middlemarch.
Middlemarch
Middlemarch