I read this because it was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize.

It is huge - in story, size and material.
intriguing story - but will never think of sleep-overs the same again...

Jubby kindly agreed to mail this to me instead of releasing it in Glebe. I look forward to reading this as his last book was so well reviewed (The Virgin Suicides). I'm participating in a bookring for that one but I am more intrigued by this book. Will journal my thoughts before releasing it.

Thank you Jubby!

This epic family drama sweeps across three generations of a Greek American family and the birth of twentieth century America yet retains a warmth and intimacy due to its affecting characters and detailed approach. _Middlesex_ examines the nature of identity - cultural, sexual, social - and the challenges inherent in staking claim to our chosen selves. The Stephanides bravely navigate life's extremes - rich/poor, old/new, black/white. But the real story is about the greyer middle grounds - specifically the one between male and female - the fluid space occupied by our narrator, Cal. By discovering Cal's secret along with her/him (a form of hermaphroditism in which males appear female until the onset of puberty), we are encouraged to consider the ideas of fate & destiny vs. conditioning and freewill. Who controls the forces that shape us into the adults we eventually become?

The novel has a broad scope but is solidly crafted. Eugenides' obvious love of language shines through and he uses many words with Greek roots in keeping with his subject matter! After his frosty, tightly wound debut novel, _The Virgin Suicides_, Eugenides has found a confident and relaxed voice.

An energetic, witty and compassionate novel that brims with LIFE!

My brother had this! Sorry...

An epic story, wonderful characters, a fantastic read.

Bookray:
Wirigerie - Adelaide, SA
Buggyhare - Brisbane, QLD
leeny37 - Melbourne, VIC (wants to be near the end)
Fleebo - Sydney, NSW (wants to be near the end)
Woosang - Sydney, NSW (wants to be near the end)

Arrived safely this morning and was delivered to me in bed as my neice was going out the door to school... that's what I call service!

This book was terrific. The story neatly wove genetic theory with fiction to create a believable account of a hermaphrodite. Right from the beginning we know Cal converts to a male form eventually but it's not till the end of the book that we discover the how and why. The whole Stephanides family has a hand in the accident that is Cal, from his grandparents and parents and generations before.

I cannot conceive how difficult life must be for someone born under these conditions especially to be brought up as a girl only to feel male stirrings with the onset of puberty.

The story was extremely skillfully told and gave a great insight in to Cal's development from child to adult. It even dealt with his difficulties as an adult with women and truthfully this must be a concern for hermaphrodites.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager to start "The Virgin Suicides", Eugenides other book.

Thanks for the bookring. On to Buggyhare next.

Received today, to sit on my TBR pile for quite a while! Thanks fushmush and Wirigerie