Issicratea’s review of Adam Bede > Likes and Comments

When I read Adam Bede for the first time, I was just coming out of a life trauma (though nothing quite as bad as the horrible event around which the plot turns, fortunately.) The novel blew me away with the accuracy of its insights into shock and suffering and their psychological effects. It was an immensely therapeutic read.

was there some terrible event in her youth or is this another testimony to her power as an observer and drinker in of human nature?

I don't think there was anything very dramatic in her early life (though losing your faith can't have been too much of a joke for a Victorian.) I think it's just, as you say, testimony to her extraordinary powers of psychological observation and empathy.

Marita wrote: "Issicratea, having read your lovely review I am keen to re-read this novel which I originally read about 40 years ago."

Wonderful! Thanks, Marita. I hope you enjoy your second visit as much as I did.

This was next in my GE list. And now reading this thoughtful review makes me want to push it up in my pile of 'next reads'.

I enjoyed the parallels you make with Greek drama.

This is a review to come back to when I have finally read the book.

Kalliope wrote: "This was next in my GE list. And now reading this thoughtful review makes me want to push it up in my pile of 'next reads."

Glad to hear it! Hope you get to it soon—I'd love to hear your views on it. I remember you read Middlemarch and Romola quite recently. Adam Bede makes a fascinating comparison with Middlemarch in particular.

My antennae are twittering madly here. I see a George Elliot season coming up ;-)

Wonderful review, Issicratea - I must read it again!

Fionnuala wrote: "My antennae are twittering madly here. I see a George Elliot season coming up ;-)"

Splendid! My own Eliot antennae were so frenziedly a-twitch after Adam Bede that I was forced to turn to a piece of fan fiction (or non-fiction) for my next read, Rebecca Mead's My Life in Middlemarch. Rather good so far.

Gary wrote: "Wonderful review, Issicratea - I must read it again!"

Thanks, Gary. It really repays a second read (and possibly a third ...)

Aside from Mrs. Poyser's knitting, Bartle Massey's verbal tick of repeating his last sentence delighted me. I thoroughly enjoy these detailed characters when they are developed with universal yet unique idiosyncrasies.

The piece about coming through the other side of deeply painful experiences with a much sweeter appreciation of the good things in life touched me. Those who have that insight and ability are truly blessed.

I am coming back to this review after having read (a while now) AB (I had not read it yet when I commented above). This review makes me think I would like to read it again. I still have about 2 or 3 of her main novels to read for the first time, but a rerun of GE's works would be a good idea.

Anyway, what you say about her capturing 'the insights of suffering' makes me think that I have read it with too much of a literary and cold - eye (and soul). I saw too clearly some of the failings.

I look forward to reading FH.

Fionnuala wrote: "My antennae are twittering madly here. I see a George Elliot season coming up ;-)"

Now that I've finished my GE season, I found your review extra interesting, Issicratea - though I was clearly very impressed the first time I read it too. And since I've read Felix Holt as well, I understand how the two books mirror each other in certain ways - and the justice of your Mrs Holt/Mrs Bede comparison! Two very trying mothers indeed.
Interesting that Adam was modeled on GE's father. I did feel she had a great understanding not only of a carpenter's work but also of the growing and selecting of trees for timber. I had that thought again while reading Middlemarch when timber came up in relation to Caleb Garth, and then someone mentioned in the review comment thread that he was modeled on her father. Both those characters are as if whittled with great love and attention to detail.
Interesting about the French Revolution being so recent - that makes Mrs Poyser steadily knitting her way through all the traumas of the story recall the guillotine knitters!

You've sold it to me, brilliantly!

Your review makes me curious to revisit - thanks.

Thanks or the wonderful review .Decided it for me.