Ok so I am a little late in getting to this but hey whats a couple of days between friends....
I read all the time, like ALL the times, usually several books at once. Plus do my own writing.
I have just finished reading 'Middlesex' by Jeffrey Eungenides. It was an Oprah Book Club selection, and frankly I usually loath her choices. But every now and then...
JE won a Pulitizer Prize for this his second book, and how could he not? So here is my review....
* * * * *
Given the subject and knowing nothing about it (of course) I was a little reluctant to begin and dragged myself through a few pages. Quickly the cinematic style (some may say visual or realism) pulled me in and I became hooked.
I continued to struggle with the idea of the story itself; however as page by page I met the characters and learned about them, and their choices, I was drawn further and further in.
JE's style and turn of phrase daily danced though my mind.
I find myself wondering if he thinks/speaks like that or struggled over his keyboard to find the right expression?
I appreciated the technique of switching between being Callie, then Observing her; of being in other peoples minds and knowing their thoughts and feelings:male and female. (especially for the mother at the end - very tender).
The power of being able to see and show US the readers, the world through different points of view ie characters eyes and experiences was powerful and effectively used.
The way the author used events in world history to place us in time. Eg A President with only one vowel in his name....
The dealing of secrets in families...death bed confessions, acceptance, tolerance, culture (of all kinds) and it's associated Barriers are sensitively and thought provokingly addressed.
A long time in the making; plus the writing but surely a book for our times.
I had to return the book to the library but I would like to re read it from a literary point of view rather then for the story.
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