Bookclub-in-a-box Discusses the Novel Middlesex

by Marilyn Herbert, Jeffrey Eugenides

Transformation, identity, fate, destiny, crime, and punishment are some of the fascinating themes that are unraveled for readers in the Bookclub-in-a-Box discussion guide for Jeffrey Eugenides' Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Middlesex . The guide looks at the central character Callie, a hermaphrodite, and fits her unusual story against an historic and cultural backdrop which includes Detroit in the 1930's, prohibition, silk-making, myths, legends and Greek tragedy. Bookclub-in-a-Box illustrates how Eugenides takes this heart-wrenching, but not uncommon situation, and presents it with respect, sympathy and dignity. As a reader, they will gain a deeper understanding and insight into the complex layers of this riveting

89 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

As an educator, school librarian, writer, book-talk presenter and facilitator, Marilyn loves to read and talk about books. Her enthusiasm for reading and sharing led her to unite her two favorite things: people and pages. In turn, this led to the creation of Bookclub-in-a-Box, the ultimate discussion companion for contemporary works of literary fiction. Marilyn is always looking for a great debate about books and welcomes all feedback.

Reviews

[Jodi Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing that this book definitely achieves is entering into the struggle felt by a person of minority. Eugenides does an excellent job of portraying the inner workings of one who is struggling with their true identity versus the choice to assimilate into society. It think that this should be essential reading material for any person who does not understand what it is like to be outcast because of a physical anomaly, a racial prejudice or a sexual preference.

Although I do feel that this book did an excellent job of making the protagonist's struggle accessible to its audience, I actually found the book quite lacking in poetry. I was surprised because The Virgin Suicides, one of Eugenides' other books, is one of the most incredible books I have ever read. It is so full of poetic content that I can completely immerse myself in the physical sensations of his characters, whereas in Middlesex I found the storyline to be rather linear and without romanticism.

For full book report, and artist images I found that compliment this novel, head to
http://jodisharp-inprocess.blogspot.c...

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middlesex - Very different

[Tom Hospodar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big, Big story.Central themes that reacurred through out the book.
Got the really know and understand the characters.

[Lisa Kelch · Rating 5 out of 5]

how could you not like these people? loved this book.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!