According to the reading schedule I set for myself, I should be finishing Middlemarch today. As of this morning, I’m on page 497 and still have 393 pages to go.
This classic novel, which is often touted as the best British novel of all time, has been a joy for me thus far; I just haven’t had the reading time I’d planned on. We’ve been working to prepare our house for sale (the listing goes live today!) and finishing a renovation on our new/old cottage, and both projects have taken more of my time than I thought they would. (Indeed, one of my biggest delusions in life is how long it will take to accomplish certain tasks and projects).
An old graduate school friend, Janet, is coming to visit this week, so I’m not sure how much reading time I’ll squeeze in, but even if it’s only a chapter a day, I’ll be happy. It’s a joy to dip into the loves, ambitions, and gossip mongering of the Middlemarchers.
What are you reading this week?
Glad you’re enjoying Middlemarch! There’s nothing like a big juicy novel you can really live into.
I’m rereading the Deptford Trilogy by Robertson Davies which is not quite as long but has something of the same effect.
I haven’t read anything by Robertson Davies but you’ve certainly put him on my radar.
Delighted to hear you enjoy this book because its an all time favourite of mine. I love the way Eliot forces us to change our attitude towards some characters – Casaubon in particular….
It is probably going to be one of my favorites, too. I can already imagine the pleasure of re-reading this story. I’m on chapter 52 / page 542 this morning and my attitude towards Casaubon has definitely changed. It’s been shifting all along, just like when you first meet a person and get to know them.
That chapter where Eliot suddenly interrupts the flow of the narrative to force us to look at casubon is pure genius
Inspired by you I’ve picked up my unread copy of Middlemarch. I’m just 130 or so pages in but I am really enjoying it. However, I am also reading The Soul of an Octopus, just for a little variety.
So happy to hear you’re reading it! I’m on page 542 this morning and the book just keeps getting better. I resented my need for sleep last night. 😴 How is The Soul of an Octopus? That one caught my eye but I haven’t explored it yet.
You’ll get there, Chris.
I’m working on America for Beginners by Leah Franqui which I received from Book Browse. I’m hoping to finish it tonight. I hadn’t heard of it prior to Book Browse. I think it’s one that others will read.
I’m also listening to Fat Angie. I need to spend more time in the car to finish that one.
You have the best book resources, Linda! I don’t remember visiting Book Browse before and just signed up for their newsletter.
Ah yes the classic case of underestimating how much time it will take to complete a task. That’s the bane of my schedule as well. Enjoy Middlemarch. I’ve yet to read it. Currently reading non fiction – A Little History of the World
Ahhhh, I just finished Middlemarch. Truly amazing, subtle, and complex. As A. S. Byatt has said, “deeply tragic and deeply comic.” Still processing…. Beyond everything, it’s the narrator I love most.
Yay, Toni! It is such a fantastic novel. I’m heading off to read more now…
Saved this to comment on two weeks ago. Hope you’ve finished at this point!
I finished it on Saturday and am behind on writing a post. I loved the novel. It was a great experience and I’m so glad to have finally read it. Thanks for checking it!