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Middlemarch by George Eliot - Readalong

221 replies

CramptonHodnet · 26/08/2018 19:30

This is the Readalong thread for anyone feeling brave enough to tackle this huge novel this autumn/winter Grin

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Original poster
CramptonHodnet · 10/09/2018 07:16

MrsSteptoe - I think we can discuss aspects of the book as we go along but avoid adding any spoilers until everyone has had a chance to read the chapters.

I haven't done a readalong on MN before, just on Goodreads, so hope this goes ok. I think we'll just find our way as we go along Smile

Dottie - we had a good holiday. Weather was a bit dodgy at times but it was lovely to get a break.

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MrsSteptoe · 09/09/2018 23:47

Discussions starting 15/9, then?
Dottie The Balkan/Levant trilogies - I did speed read a bit through some bits, but I really enjoyed my journey through Harriet's eyes, and her relationship with Guy. I'm a bit puzzled as to why Anthony Burgess thought Guy one of the major characters in English literature. I can only think that when Burgess reads, women are literally invisible to him so he got to the end and thought it must have been Guy that made the book compelling and didn't notice that it was, in fact, Harriet.

Dottierichardson · 09/09/2018 23:35

Crampton all set! Hope you had a great holiday and re-entry's not too painful.

Love the 'Balkan/Levant' trilogies, think they're fascinating books, although once lent them to a friend who found them dull.

Original poster
CramptonHodnet · 09/09/2018 22:47

Just a heads up to say that I will be starting reading Middlemarch tomorrow (Monday).

First four chapters this week
No sppilers until the weekend following the week's reading.

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MasonJar · 08/09/2018 10:07

I tried to read it years ago and gave up.
Then years later I watched the BBC DVD which made it all much clearer, found the book really interesting after that. Have since re-read it a couple of times.

Original poster
CramptonHodnet · 07/09/2018 19:38

Do join in, Skimble Smile. It's been years since I last read anything that could pass as a classic novel and I'm hoping I will be ok. I'm just going to dive in, starting on Monday (just got back from holiday this evening). There will be readers of all levels on here so no-one need feel they couldn't attempt it.

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Skimbleskanks · 07/09/2018 14:13

Project Gutenberg have it for free in kindle edition. Have you started reading? I think I might be too stupid Sad

LaContessaDiPlump · 07/09/2018 14:07

I loved Middlemarch - it's well worth the read! May lurk along with you lot Grin

ABCFamily · 07/09/2018 14:03

Ooh, this one's been sittin gon my shelf for a while. I'm up for a readalong!

BeatriceJoanna · 07/09/2018 12:55

I'd like to join in, if that's OK. I'm planning to do Victober and was hoping to make Middlemarch one of my choices. However, with my other (long) choices I don't think I'll have the time but I really do want to re-read it.

Also MrsSteptoe's post has just reminded me that I've been meaning to read Fortunes of War since forever. I think I've got my TBR sorted until Christmas now. Smile

Original poster
CramptonHodnet · 04/09/2018 10:33

Looking like there's going to be lots us doing this then Smile

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Potatoandleeek · 04/09/2018 09:38

I’m in! I’ve started it a couple of times but life always gets in the way of me finishing it. I have a brand new copy sitting on my bookshelf which I bought a couple of weeks ago so this is good timing.

PilarTernera · 04/09/2018 09:09

Fantastic! I was thinking of re-reading Middlemarch. This is just what I need to get me going.

MrsSteptoe · 03/09/2018 15:14

It is most certainly available on Kindle, highlandcoo, downloaded it this morning as my tattered old copy is on very yellowed paper and the print is quite small, so my ghastly eyesight just won't cope with it any more.
Finished up Olivia Manning's Fortunes of War double trilogy this morning, bid a fond farewell to Harriet and Guy Pringle and left them "tidying up the ruins of war and in their hearts burying the noble dead". So ready in advance for the Middlemarch readalong.

highlandcoo · 03/09/2018 14:55

Would love to join in with this - great idea!

I first read MM at university almost 40 years ago. Very interested to see how I react to the characters now I have more life experience.

Off to see if it's available on Kindle as my Penguin copy long since fell apart.

Lightshines · 02/09/2018 23:18

Rather ashamed to admit I've never read this, so I'd like to read along too!

Orchiddingme · 31/08/2018 14:05

I've got my copy! Slightly over-eager...

Original poster
CramptonHodnet · 28/08/2018 18:12
Smile

I ordered the DVD of the BBC's 1994 production of Middlemarch (the one with Rufus Sewell) and that arrived today. DD (12) surprised me by saying it looked interesting and might join in with watching the DVD (but not the novel).

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rilesm · 28/08/2018 16:36

I’m in too!

Dottierichardson · 27/08/2018 13:42

Great, made a note of dates.

IrmaFayLear · 27/08/2018 13:38

I’m in. We can do it, people!

Original poster
CramptonHodnet · 27/08/2018 10:40

Thanks for those links, Xiaoxiong. I'll listen to them before the readalong starts.

I'm trying a complete immersion in the book and have just ordered the DVD as well.

Really looking forward to this now Smile

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DolorestheNewt · 26/08/2018 22:37

Perfect for me, Crampton. Haven't read it for 15 years. Hugely looking forward.

buckingfrolicks · 26/08/2018 22:32

Best book ever. You folks are in for one heck of a treat.

Original poster
CramptonHodnet · 26/08/2018 22:17

Sorry for delay - children's baths and bedtimes got in the way Grin

Shall we aim to start on 10th September? So, beginning reading the first four chapters that week and then be ready to discuss the following weekend?

I think I could keep up with a rolling schedule of four chapters and be ready to update each weekend.

If anyone falls behind, we could split the thread into a no spoilers and start a spoilers one.

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