Middlemarch by George Eliot - Readalong

[CramptonHodnet]

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

How does everyone want to do this?

Option 1 - just read it at our own pace and post thoughts on it (without spoilers)?

Option 2 - all read set chapters so we're all roughly at the same place each time, so no need to worry about spoilers?

I'd prefer the second option, so I can keep up with it. So, say, read a certain number of chapters per week/month? And then discuss them.

And I'm going to see if I can track down the BBC series to watch.

Ooh count me in! One of my most beloved novels and I'd love to discuss.

I vote option 2.

I'd like the second option too - hard to post thoughts without spoilers, I think. Personally, I'd like a weekly check-in, but I realise that a lot of people will probably prefer monthly. Will watch thread develop with excitement!

I've never done a readalong, and I've read Middlemarch before but a long time ago, so wouldn't mind trying to join in, if that's okay. I think the BBC drama is on DVD, I'm sure when I saw it was on loan from the library. But may be streaming on Amazon, they seem to have a lot of old BBC dramas.

Also might be worth looking at Rebecca Mead's My Life in Middlemarch as another aid to reading the book, Mead's book not brilliant, sometimes quite annoying, but some interesting insights. Again can't actually recall what, as read a while ago.

Great - looking like it could be Option 2. That would make it easier to keep up with it. Looking at my copy, there's 86 chapters and a finale. What sort of pace would everyone be happy with?

I was going to suggest a chapter a week but forgot there were 86!!! We'd be well into 2020 at that rate...

4 chapters a week? We'd be done mid-Jan. 3 a week would take us to February half term...

And just to inspire us, there was a radio 4 programme by Howard Jacobsen on his love for middlemarch: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08rtkz0

And even an In Our Time on it!! www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09z1dd7

Just to say - this is one of my favourite books of all time. I studied it at university and it’s stayed in my top 5 ever since.
It’s a completely beautiful take on what it means to be alive, to grow up, to become your true self. It’s also a multi layered historical story.
It’s utterly brilliant and I think I’d recommend it to anyone asking ‘what is the one book I should read before I die.’
I really hope you all enjoy it, brilliant idea. I’d love to discuss as you get into it!

Oh and I had to read the whole thing in a week when I first read it... I don’t recommend trying to tackle it in a week!

I think I could do 4 chapters a week but probably couldn't manage any more than that, Xiaoxiong. We're going on holiday at the end of this week and so I will be ready to start as soon as we get back, from Monday 10th Sept.

I'd love to join please! I read about 90% of Middlemarch about 20 years ago and have never finished it.

Option 2 would be my preference

I have this on the shelf, unread. Hoping 'It’s a completely beautiful take on what it means to be alive, to grow up, to become your true self. It’s also a multi layered historical story' @1sttimeunicorn we are in for a treat.

I remember loving it when young but I was a terror for skimming bits back then.

I saw the thread about losing reading stamina and this has definitely occured for me. I keep myself going by reading aloud to my 12 year old.

@PurpleArmy I really hope you feel that when you read it. I do know it has its critics, my only advice is to stick with it, it really comes together as a whole ‘masterpiece’ in the end.

Checking in to follow

Like the sound of option 2 - my book club has all but fallen by the wayside

I’d like to join in. I’ve started Middlemarch 2 or 3 times but never stuck with it.

OP, are you proposing starting reading on the 10th or the first discussion about chapters 1-4?

I was wanting to re-read this! Count me in 👍

I am interested in doing this. What's the plan on when to start? Need to see if I can find my old copy or need a new one from Amazon....

I'm in of course! Thanks for starting this thread OP. I like the idea of four chapters a week.

Are we starting reading on the 10th or holding the first discussion about chapters 1-4 on the 10th? Sorry, haven't done an online reading thread before

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

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.

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

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

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