Middlesex

This is one of my favouite books. I can't describe how much I loved the story, the characters, the everything. It takes a bit of time to get into it but once you do, it's an epic read. And those are rare and totally worth the effort.

This book begins with the words, "I was born twice," and perhaps for that reason I feel completely justified in having read the first chapter numerous times. You see, the story simply demanded more of my attention than I was prepared to offer and required serial segments of uninterrupted time.

As you probably know, Middlesex is the story of Calliope's remarkable transformation into Cal. A story which documents the history of a genetic mutation which stretches back for generations but is documented in detail for three. It begins with the story of Cal's grandparents - Greek immigrants who came to live in Detroit, it is followed by the story of their children and ends with the story of Cal, who is one of their grandchildren.

In delectable prose accompanied by vivid imagery, Cal unveils the family history which led him to his present existence. One which he slowly reveals as the story progresses. Seeming to be impeccably researched, Middlesex is both eye opening and endearing. Tragic and triumphant. It is well worth the read if you have the time to savour the vignettes and appreciate the many layers of the stories. It is truly fiction disguised as fact.

I picked up this book for $5 or $10 at Coles, figuring that, as an Oprah's pick, it would be a pretty good book. I was right. It was an interesting subject and the story was very well-written. I must say that at first, the topic took me out of my comfort zone, but I really felt for the main character and as I got into the story, I could not put this book down. I will definitely read this again.

An amazing novel, one just as much about immigration as the story of a hermaphrodite, which is perhaps why some readers are discouraged by the constant narration changes between the past and the present. Well worth the read, and a stunning Pulitzer-Prize winning text that I have been re-reading ever since.

Very good read!
The story takes you behind the story of a whole family and how time and a secret has changed them. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to anyone who wants a nice and interesting novel.

One of the best books I have read. The book is rich in its meanings and creativity. It is not only a book exploring one's own sexuality, but a book about family values, familial pressures and social conformity. Euginides has created characters so real and lovable that you're a little disappointed that book ends.

This is a beautifully written book. The narration is phenomenal as it subtly changes as the character's changes are revealed.

Amazing story, and so involving. The main subject of the novel and aspects of incest aren't really something I may necessarily be comfortable with, but the story just pulls you in. It's so frank and gives you wonderful american historical anecdotes without being tedious. Well worth the read.

This is a novel that immediately grabbed me. Despite addressing some topics that in some novels may turn the reader off or be considered to be taboo, the writing is so beautiful that these things are easily overlooked. The story of Cal is told in such a way that it is genuine, heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. I definitely didn't stop thinking about this novel when I put it down.

Absolutely hated this book. I struggled to get through the first 100 pages of wandering storyline then finally gave up.

Book was well written. I'd give it 5 stars.

What a great book. It was so well written and so enjoyable to read. I decided to get this book after seeing it on the Oprah show. I really did not know what it was going to be all about. It's a brillent story and much more than I expected. I would highly recommend it!

What a fantastic read. Not only do you get intertwined in the main character's struggle and eventual triumph, but you experience the gift of time as you travel through the eras that define the current day. The imagery was rich, the narration full of eloquent prose. I loved this book.

Not living too far away from Detroit and Greektown it brought back memories and also the race riots but the story of Calliope or Cal was very well written and the story was very good.

I started off reading this book not knowing what to expect. It took me a while to get into it, but once the story began to unfold, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. The concept was very unique, and the overall plot was well thought out. That being said, slogging through some of the details was sometimes painful. The book would have been improved with better editing. Furthermore, I did not feel any emotional connection with the characters. Consequently, the tragedies that befell the family did not affect me as deeply as they should have. Still, it was an interesting and thought provoking look into the life of a hermaphrodite. Certainly not the best book I've read, but also not one that I would discourage anyone from picking up.

This is an amazing book. The writing is wonderful, the characters seem so real you feel you know them and you get a real feel for the place and time. I highly recommend this book.

This book is slow and arduous and seems to be a social history lesson for the first 400 pages it is not until 420 we establish the real story of Cal, but i read on anticipating some fantastic ending. I was disappointed that my questions were merely passed over as though they were irrelevant. DO NOT BUY. As a book club member i have really enjoyed books such as the kite runner, the red tent, and this is no where near as good a read as those titles!

Eugenides deals with a controversial subject with humour and sensitivity. Callie is a character you will come to love, and feel for, and with.

I read this book -as most people did- because Oprah recommended it. I found it quite enjoyable and very interesting. I loved the way the author wrote the book and referred to us the reader throughout his story telling.

I loved this book - I think his writing and description of events were wonderful - I would have no problem recommending this.