Middlemarch - are you reading/have you read it?

[BIWI]

I did it for A-level (a gazillion years ago!) and I really loved it.

Since then, I've tried to read it once again. Couldn't get into it for some reason. But seeing it being judged the most popular novel:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/16/the-guardian-view-on-middlemarch-the-greatest-novel-in-the-english-language

... thought I'd have another go.

So far so OK - although I do have to keep going back and re-reading sentences to make sure I'm understanding it!

Amazing that it's been voted as the greatest - and I wondered how many people would agree with this?

I slogged my way through Middlemarch in January this year. I didn't enjoy it. And I find it hard to understand why a sufficient number of people like it for it top these sorts of polls. For me, it's unnecessarily long, and many individual sentences too long-winded. Perhaps evidenced by the fact that even people who say they love it miss bits out. I feel that's often the case with novels that were originally serialised.

But clearly, I'm in a minority on this thread.

It was voted the 'best' novel of all time, not the most popular, though.

Reading it again at a much more advanced age, I’m realising just how funny so much of it is!

I love the chapter that starts something along the lines of "The next morning Dorothea... But why always Dorothea? Is hers the only perspective that is important in this story" and goes on to focus on Casaubon's perspective.

I have read it, I found bits hard going and do admit i skipped some irrelevant bits! But once I got into it properly I really loved it.
I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite classic novel though

I tried it out as an audiobook a few months ago but it didn't grip me. It wasn't the fault of the narrator, as far as I recall. I am able to get into other oldy books. Crime and Punishment was long but I still thought good and glad to have finished it. Likewise Wuthering Heights and a few Austens, the titles of which I can't immediately remember. So yes, I wouldn't trudge on if you are unsure, OP.

Oh no - I’m definitely still going! Enjoying it despite having to work quite hard at some of the references

I listened to it on Audible for the first time last year.
I enjoyed it, but not to the point I would say it is the best novel I have ever read.
It's one I am pleased to say I have read, but no desire to read it again.
I preferred Jane Eyre and Great Expectations.
For those of you who do Audible - Stephen Fry reading GE is a joy.