Middlesex

I had started this book years ago, but it was a borrowed copy from my Mom.  She wanted it back before I could finish.  In any case, I finished the book this evening.  I enjoyed Calliope/Cal's story, but felt that Eugenides spent far too much time on the back story.  I believe her story is compelling enough not to have to go back three generations.

Yes, Calliope/Cal is a hermaphrodite.  But, what could have been merely an exploitative tale of sexual discovery, was a very touching coming-of-age story.  I also enjoyed her narration throughout the novel; it was as if she were speaking to me, just telling her story. Unfortunately, she went too far back, historically, for me to love every minute of the story.

However, despite the drudgery of the past, Eugenides's ability to convey human emotion and intensely realistic characters is amazing.  I felt as though I was a part of the Stephanides family. So much so, that as the book ended I was sad to say goodbye.