The novel is set in the fictitious Midlands town of Middlemarch during the period 1830–32. It has multiple plots with a large cast of characters, and in addition to its distinct though interlocking narratives it pursues a number of underlying themes, including the status of women, the nature of marriage, idealism and self-interest, religion and hypocrisy, political reform, and education. The pace is leisurely, the tone is mildly didactic (with an authorial voice that occasionally bursts through the narrative),and the canvas is very broad.

Despite the fact that it has some comical characters (Mr. Brooke, the "tiny aunt" Miss Noble) and comically named characters (Mrs. Dollop), Middlemarch is a work of realism. Through the voices and opinions of different characters we become aware of various broad issues of the day: the Great Reform Bill, the beginnings of the railways, the death of King George IV and the succession of his brother, the Duke of Clarence (who became King William IV). We learn something of the state of contemporary medical science. We also encounter the deeply reactionary mindset within a settled community facing the prospect of what to many is unwelcome change.

The eight "books" which compose the novel are not autonomous entities, but merely reflect the form of the original serialisation. A short prelude introduces the idea of the latter-day St. Theresa, presaging the character Dorothea; a postscript or "finale" after the eighth book gives the post-novel fates of the main characters.

This was supposed to be a book off the 1001-list and a book for the 'big books' challenge.
But it turned out to be neither. I've tried both the audiobook and the paperback copy, but neither version resulted in getting me interested.
The first part was okay, although it was a bit strange to me. Marrying a man because you think he could share his knowledge with you. And when the newly wed couple went to live in Middlemarch, the story didn't get much more interesting. I caught myself with wandering thoughts while reading, thus missing out on parts of the storyline.
This is not a book I'll finish now. Maybe I'll get back to it later, but to be honest, I'm a bit fed up with women in love, marrying, having all sorts of petty trouble. Maybe one day, when.... (can't fill that in yet ;-))

You can find this book in the green book case outside the side entrance of Paddy's

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