The Harbinger

Believe it or not, there have been a few times that I have been unable to finish a book. Normally when that happens, I put it down for a while and just start another one. Then, later on, I’ll pick up the unfinished one and read it to the end. Typically, this process takes only one month. Well, the other day, I picked up a book that I gave up on about two years ago.

I started over from the beginning and was instantly hooked. “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides won the Pulitzer Prize. Mr. Eugenides also wrote “The Virgin Suicides,” which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have no clue why I couldn’t get into this book the first time, probably just a wrong time and place thing. Who knows. Whatever the reason, I loved it this time around and want to tell you guys about it.

“Middlesex” is the story of Calliope Stephanides and her mother, and grandmother. It starts, in true epic fashion, with the story of how her grandmother fell in love with someone wholly inappropriate and came to America. Of course, it wasn’t that clear cut and easy. There were fires and fake romances and haircuts and rapes and deaths, too.

Throughout the story, Calliope lets the reader know there is something that is not quite right with her. She makes mention to a mutated gene that has lain dormant in her family tree, regardless of how wreath like it is. Also, she mentions her blooming “crocus.” Even though the technical definition was some sort of flower, it was clear to me that Calliope was referring to her “lady” parts.

Then we meet Calliope’s mom and dad, who are also cousins. This is not dwelled on, almost as if the family does not want to be reminded of the additional relationship. I don’t think I would want to know if my mom and dad were previously related, would you?

Pretty much the reader learns the truth about Cal way before she does. She is a modern hermaphrodite. The beauty in this book comes from him learning about it and dealing with it, even being exploited for it.

and!

I learned not to give up so easily on a book, particularly when it has won the Pulitzer!

Here are some quotes:

“The geography of San Francisco is too beautiful to allow seaminess to get much of a foothold, and so along with these barkers there were many tourists afoot, tourists carrying loaves of sourdough bread and Ghiradelli chocolates.”

“At one point she yawned and, halfway through, cut the yawn off, as though it hadn’t gone right.”

“Again the sperm rams my capsule; and I realize I can’t put if off any longer. The lease on my terrific little apartment is finally up and I’m being evicted. So I raise one fist (male typically) and begin to beat on the walls of my eggshell until it cracks. Then, slippery as a yolk, I dive headfirst into the world.”

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