58 pages • 1 hour read
Middlesex
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Book Brief
529
Novel • Fiction
Detroit, Michigan • 1970s
2002
Adult
18+ years
830L
Super Short Summary
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides follows the multigenerational story of the Greek-American Stephanides family, with Cal, who was raised as a girl named Calliope, narrating the journey of his grandparents, Lefty and Desdemona, from Greece to the US. Their family secret—a close genetic relationship—affects generations, culminating in Cal’s discovery during adolescence that he is intersex. The story intricately explores history, identity, love, and the complexity of gender. The novel includes depictions of nonconsensual medical interventions on intersex individuals and uses outdated terms for intersex people.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
659,020 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is acclaimed for its ambitious narrative and rich prose, which compellingly intertwines personal and historical elements. Reviewers praise its exploration of identity and family, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it is a captivating, thought-provoking read that deftly addresses complex themes.
Who Should Read Middlesex?
Readers who enjoyed the coming-of-age and family saga aspects of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold or the complex identities in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon would appreciate Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex. This novel appeals to those interested in generational stories and themes of identity transformation.
659,020 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Desdemona Stephanides
Desdemona Stephanides
The matriarch of the Stephanides family, Desdemona is a traditional woman who struggles with her past and the immigrant experience. She is deeply connected to her Greek heritage and plays a crucial role in the family's history and Cal's life story.
Eleutherios “Lefty” Stephanides
Eleutherios “Lefty” Stephanides
Cal's grandfather, Lefty, is an optimistic immigrant who readily adapts to life in America. He becomes a significant figure in Cal's life, reflecting themes of cultural assimilation and family dedication.
529
Novel • Fiction
Detroit, Michigan • 1970s
2002
Adult
18+ years
830L
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