Middlemarch

by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)

Ambition, love, politics, and disappointment—woven into the soul of a small English town.
Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch during the early 19th century, this sweeping novel follows a cast of deeply human characters struggling with ideals, duty, and personal growth. At its center is Dorothea Brooke, a passionate, intelligent young woman whose dreams of purpose and reform are challenged by the rigid expectations of society and marriage.

Through interwoven narratives—including a disillusioned doctor, a rising politician, and a doomed marriage—George Eliot crafts a profound exploration of morality, power, and the quiet tragedies of everyday life. Rich in psychological insight and social critique, Middlemarch is a masterwork of realism that captures the complexity of human aspirations and failures.

Often hailed as one of the greatest novels ever written in English, Middlemarch remains a timeless reflection on change, compromise, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life.