Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die discussion

The 1001 Year-Long Book Study, 2024 starts January 1, 2024. Group members have voted to read Middlemarch , by George Eliot.

The reading schedule is for the entire year of 2024:
   • January – Book 1
   • February / March – Book 2
   • April – Book 3
   • May / June – Book 4
   • July – Book 5
   • August / September – Book 6
   • October – Book 7
   • November / December – Book 8

Hi all,
Well, I've started the book and so far, I think it's moving slowly while it builds characters. Then again, it may seem slow as I'm listening to the audiobook at 1.0x speed and I'm used to 1.5-2-5x speed.
I'm keen to know everyone's thoughts as we explore this book together.

I'm about halfway through Chapter 3 and definitely a lot of character development, particularly of Dorothea. Right now, she's really not my favorite character. I prefer Celia and Mr. Brooke.

I have read two shorter novels by Eliot, Silas Marner and The Mill on the Floss. She was certainly a master of the English language, though I tend to prefer a little simpler style.
I've finished Book 1 (prelude and chapters 1 - 12) and a little of book 2; I'm now 16% through the audiobook.
Now that I've been introduced to a lot of characters I looked for a summary or chart of them and found this on Librarything site which others may also find helpful: https://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...
There are also summaries of the books here: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/middle...

Just a bit of historical info -- Middlemarch was published in 1871-1872 in 8 installments (the 8 books of the complete edition). The book is set in a fictional English Midlands town between 1828 and 1832. Some historical events that impact the characters are the Reform Act of 1832, which made changes to the electoral system of England and Wales, the building of the first railways, and the accession of William IV to the throne. William was succeeded by his niece, Victoria, in 1837.

A set of the original 8 books sold at auction in 2021 for $87,500!

Karen wrote: "Just a bit of historical info -- Middlemarch was published in 1871-1872 in 8 installments (the 8 books of the complete edition). The book is set in a fictional English Midlands town between 1828 an..."

William IV was king for only about seven years but saw in the Reform Act which allowed more middle class people (men) to vote and also saw in the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire.

George P. wrote: "I have read two shorter novels by Eliot, Silas Marner and The Mill on the Floss. She was certainly a master of the English language, though I tend to prefer a little simpler style.
I've finished B..."

Thanks for the links, George. I think they are useful.

Karen wrote: "I'm about halfway through Chapter 3 and definitely a lot of character development, particularly of Dorothea. Right now, she's really not my favorite character. I prefer Celia and Mr. Brooke."

I have read that there is no one dominant central character in Middlemarch, though Dorothea is one of the main ones.
I read in wikipedia yesterday that Eliot had been working on a story about Dorothea and had also started one about Dr. Lydgate. She decided to combine them and add more characters to give it a wider scope.

I've been wanting to read this book. I'll try to join in.

Amanda wrote: "I've been wanting to read this book. I'll try to join in."

You have plenty of time to catch-up. The 1st book which we're reading now is a little over a hundred pages. Book 2 (about the same length) is scheduled for February and March to give everyone time to catch up.

That's great.

Commenting to receive updates! Looking forward to reading this one.

Thank you for setting up this read! It is a great way to work through one of the longer books in reasonable chunks. I am also doing the scavenger hunt challenge, and this will allow me to get an extra book in!

Finished Book 1. Getting used to writing f style, since I have been reading more recent things for the last few years. Looking forward to more!

I've just finished the first book this weekend, and I have many, many thoughts... Especially about Dorothea and how women in general are portrayed in the book. I realise that context here is very important, but it feels like every other word out of the men's mouths is misogynistic. That women cannot think too much, that they should stick to art and music, etc. That can't really be a reflection of the author's own thoughts, right? When Dorothea was describing her ideal husband I couldn't help but think that she was really looking for a professor/mentor. If she had been allowed to go to university and get a proper education, she would not be marrying that old man.

I am going to hold off on researching feminism in the book until I am done reading because I do not want to spoil myself, but I am really hoping for some development. Please share thoughts if you have any!

Christelle wrote: "I've just finished the first book this weekend, and I have many, many thoughts... Especially about Dorothea and how women in general are portrayed in the book. I realise that context here is very i..."

I have thought much the same. I've been listening to the audiobook, which is cringe-worthy in some sections. I had to remind myself that it was written in another era.

I have just finished Daniel Deronda but have been looking to read Middlemarch for a long time! Will begin after a short break from Eliot and surely catch up.

I'm approaching the end of book 2, so I will take a short break and try to slow down now. I really think a year is too long for me to read this, but will try to stretch it to six months.
I also shook my head about comments by men in the book such as that women shouldn't engage in anything requiring thinking hard, but playing piano would be okay. What if she wanted to compose new music- not appropriate I suppose. At least Dorothea's husband tried to give her some art education, though that is not his field. I recall that Camille Claudel was given a lot of discouragement from men for her sculpting- they thought women should stick to watercolor painting. Reminds me of when I was in Costa Rica and saw local artisans making animal figurines. The men were doing the wood carving and the women the painting. I speak some Spanish and asked one carver "What if a woman wanted to carve instead of paint? Could she?" He said yes, to placate me it seemed, but I got the feeling it would be strongly discouraged.

Just happened to see the news letter and saw this. I'm new to the group and was excited to see the big book study. I love reading books from the 1800's and they always take me longer than normal so I like that I can take my time. How does it work? Is there a place we talk as we go?

Lana wrote: "Just happened to see the news letter and saw this. I'm new to the group and was excited to see the big book study. I love reading books from the 1800's and they always take me longer than normal so..."

Welcome to the Big Book Study, Lana. This is the place for discussion. We're going to keep it all in one place this year.

Like you I love literature from the 1800s and earlier and I love reading them slowly, so you are definitely in the right place!

Christelle wrote: "I've just finished the first book this weekend, and I have many, many thoughts... Especially about Dorothea and how women in general are portrayed in the book. I realise that context here is very i..."

I think the huge clue here is the name that the book was published under. George Eliot was a notable author - Mary Ann Evans would probably not have been taken seriously. The male pen name distances her from other female authors of the time, allowing her to write serious novels. Eliot's novels seem very realistic to me, as though they are portraying real people and I feel that the misogyny portrayed was viewed as valid at that time.

Lana wrote: "Just happened to see the news letter and saw this. I'm new to the group and was excited to see the big book study. I love reading books from the 1800's and they always take me longer than normal so..."

Welcome Lana! We look forward to hearing your views on this book and others.

Angie wrote: "Christelle wrote: "I've just finished the first book this weekend, and I have many, many thoughts... Especially about Dorothea and how women in general are portrayed in the book. I realise that con..."

Many female authors at the time wrote under male pen names, as they either couldn't publish as women or weren't taken seriously. In later years and to the present day, female authors still publish under male pen names for various reasons, sometimes to try another genre and break from a stereotype, other times to be taken seriously.

Such as J. K. Rowling writing detective fiction as Robert Galbraith!

I started this a couple of weeks ago and am coming to the end of Book 1. I am not sure if I like it so far but aware that everyone is still being established so giving it a bit more time. My favourite characters so far are Celia, busy body Mrs Cadwallader. and her laid back fishing obsessed husband!

I think I need to read a bit more about the political context of this period as it seems like it is going to become an important aspect of the story. I know a little about the Whigs and the Tories but it would be good to understand what their differences were at this time.

Karen wrote: "Such as J. K. Rowling writing detective fiction as Robert Galbraith!"

Yes! I was thinking of her when I mentioned stereotypes.

Jess wrote: "I started this a couple of weeks ago and am coming to the end of Book 1. I am not sure if I like it so far but aware that everyone is still being established so giving it a bit more time. My favour..."

Jess, have a look at the previous comments in this thread. George posted some links to resources that might be interesting for you if you want to dive a bit deeper.

I'm 1/3 through now. the recent part features new romance, romance going sour and poor choices. she really explores human nature in its more common manifestations, without melodrama.

We're up to Book 3 now. Has anyone started this part? What do you think?

I've just finished book 3. (view spoiler)[ I quite liked this section especially how it ended with all the relatives circling Featherstone on his deathbed! His relationship with Mary reminded me of the film Knives Out, I wonder if Rian Johnson took inspiration from Middlemarch.

I'm intrigued to see what is in the will! (hide spoiler)]

I finished Part 3 (through chapter 33) a while ago as I am reading somewhat faster than the schedule. I'll try not to "spoil" any plot elements.
I think this bit from Sparknotes is accurate: "Casaubon first noticed Dorothea for her intelligence and assertiveness. However, these very qualities make him unhappy after his marriage [a case of 'be careful what you wish for'?] Casaubon isn't the "great soul" that Dorothea wants him to be, and she isn't the docile, submissive woman he wants her to be."
The nice romance between Dr Lydgate (funny that the Brits of that time called physicians "Mr") and Rosamond adds a pleasant relief to the section. Things are going badly for Fred Vincy and I wonder what his future holds- hopefully some improvement.

I'm a couple months ahead of the schedule, nearing the end of Book 5 now. By this point I see the bigger picture of the community and the many relationships within it, and it has gotten more interesting to me. Different secondary characters (besides Dorothea and Dr Lydgate) have larger roles in different parts of the story and they all seem to have some effect on the two main characters. I'm glad I began reading it and am looking forward to more.

I've finished Book IV. Still new characters being introduced or explored in more depth but I'm getting the hang of who everyone is. Random spoilerry thoughts below:

(view spoiler)[ I wasn't expecting that outcome from Featherstone's will at all! Interested to see what Rigg's plans are. I was so happy for Mr Garth to get his job back! The whole family are by far the most sensible characters in the book. Casaubon is really going down the deep end with his jealousy. I am worried for Dorothea and hope his illness takes him before he becomes a danger to her. It seems like Mr Brooke has inspired a lot of his socialist values into her but those values are hard to square with their positions and wealth, they are finding that just talking about good deeds is not enough if the tenants are not included in the conversation. Lydgate and Rosamund are quickly annoying me, I skimmed their chapter. This section was also severely lacking in Fred! Let's hope he takes up Garth's offer and stays in Middlemarch. (hide spoiler)]

I am joining! I have finished Book 1 and plan to catch up. So far I have found the theme around marriage really interesting. The discussions/gossip have been pretty funny and builds a picture of the characters and society.

Although I have gotten a bit confused with the addition of more characters along the way, and it seems like this will continue reading the comments above.

Shereen wrote: "I am joining! I have finished Book 1 and plan to catch up. So far I have found the theme around marriage really interesting. .."

Take heart, the addition of new characters slows considerably when you get to about 25-30% of the novel.
I'm 80% through now and there seem to be seven main characters, and the rest more supporting roles: (Dr) Tertius Lydgate, Rosamond Vincy, Dorothea Brooke, Edward Casaubon, Will Ladislaw, Nicholas Bulstrode, and Fred Vincy. Focus on remembering who these seven are and you won't get lost.
If you do want to see how the minor characters relate to the main ones and each other the chart here is helpful: https://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...

George P. wrote: "Shereen wrote: "I am joining! I have finished Book 1 and plan to catch up. So far I have found the theme around marriage really interesting. .."

Take heart, the addition of new characters slows co..."

Thank you! I have been introduced to all those main characters now so that is good to know. And the chart is very helpful.

I want to join in but such a big book, written in more elaborate English scares me! I already have a big short story book I've been reading for years now😭

Hannah wrote: "I want to join in but such a big book, written in more elaborate English scares me! I already have a big short story book I've been reading for years now😭"

Just give it a try with say 5 pages a day. Middlemarch was written in 1871-1872 so the English is not as elaborate as something written in the 1700s. I love Eliot and her characters are fascinating.

I read ahead and have finished Middlemarch!

I liked the very detailed and rich depiction of society and its inhabitants. There were certainly some characters I was more invested in than others and at times the story felt slow paced. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I would get a lot out of a second read… one day.

I finished Middlemarch a week ago. I wished it was shorter but I did enjoy the writing and the elaborate story.

I was behind in Book 4, but I noticed we were due to start Book 5 and start listening to it again. Then, somehow, I kept going through to Book 6 already. Listening to the audiobook version seems like a slippery slope compared to reading a print copy!

I've put it aside now until Book 6 is due.

I've just finished Book 6. This part seemed to be more dealing with the fallout from the previous sections but there were a few interesting developments:

(view spoiler)[

The revelations about Bulstrode's past were quite shocking, He is digging himself into a deep hole, I can't see him getting out with his reputation intact!

I am still rooting for Fred and Mary but am sad that Farebrother stepped aside so easily. He would arguably have been a better match for Mary but her and Fred have undeniable chemistry.

Rosamund is still quite irritating.

I have never seen so many false goodbyes as from Ladislaw! Is he really gone for good this time? I doubt it.

(hide spoiler)]

Jess wrote: "I've just finished Book 6...."

Congratulations, you're 3/4 of the way, keep it up!

I finished with Middlemarch in March as my book club coincidentally had George Eliot as our author for that month. I have a question for anyone that finished it. Did you like it enough to start another one of her books right away?

I've finished on schedule! Reading this as a long read really worked to keep me looking forward to coming back to these characters and not be bogged down. Yes, this was probably overly long with many plot points feeling like they were treading water for the majority of the book. But as an ensemble story I felt the multiple plotlines were handled masterfully.

There were some characters (Fred and Mary!) who I loved and couldn't wait to get back to. Others (Rosamond and Will!) tried my patience but each were unique and I was invested in their stories. There were also some great moments of intrigue and twists that I didn't expect. I love how the fate of each of the characters were so entwined through various marriages and agreements and the plot was just overall very smart and engaging.

However, what I really missed from this was more of a sense of context. I was hoping to learn more about the Reform Act which in the end didn't really end up affecting the characters that much. Some of that wider context would have just elevated this novel in addition to all the great character work. I am glad that I have read this classic and I think it is one that will stay with me.

Chad E Spilman wrote: "I finished with Middlemarch in March as my book club coincidentally had George Eliot as our author for that month. I have a question for anyone that finished it. Did you like it enough to start ano..."

I've not read two George Eliot books consecutively.

Jess wrote: "I've finished on schedule! Reading this as a long read really worked to keep me looking forward to coming back to these characters and not be bogged down. Yes, this was probably overly long with ma..."

Great work, Jess! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Reading these long books over extended periods can help people stay with them. It also helps when we read them as a group, a shared experience.

I've also finished on time.