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'Middlesex' by Jeffrey Eugenides is a multi-generational family saga that delves into the history of the Greek American Stephanides family, tracing their journey from a tiny village in Asia Minor to Prohibition-era Detroit and suburban Michigan. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Cal, who navigates questions of gender identity, family secrets, and personal history. The narrative weaves together elements of history, mythology, and science, creating a rich tapestry of immigrant experiences, interwoven with themes of assimilation, discrimination, and the fluidity of identity.

Eugenides' writing style is described as mesmerizing, with a fast-paced and fascinating prose that keeps readers engaged from the first sentence. The novel is praised for its unique storytelling approach, blending humor and empathy to explore complex themes such as gender, family dynamics, and cultural heritage. The character development, especially that of Cal, is highlighted as a standout feature, with readers finding themselves deeply absorbed in the story and characters.

If you liked Middlesex, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
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    The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides is a haunting tale of the Lisbon sisters, who grow up under strict religious parents and ultimately meet tragic ends. The story is narrated by neighborhood boys who watch the girls from afar, exploring themes of adolescent love, sorrow, and the end of childhood. The book is written in a hypnotic and lyrical style, weaving together humor, beauty, and darkness as the boys try to make sense of the unexplainable deaths.

    On the morning the last Lisbon daughter took her turn at suicide—it was Mary this time, and sleeping pills, like Therese—the two paramedics arrived at the house knowing exactly where the knife drawer ...

  2. #2

    The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
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    'The Marriage Plot' by Jeffrey Eugenides revolves around a love triangle involving three college seniors at Brown University in the early 1980s - Madeleine, Leonard, and Mitchell. Madeleine is an incurable romantic who finds herself torn between Leonard, a brilliant but manic depressive student, and Mitchell, a Religious Studies major. The story delves into their relationships, personal struggles, and journeys of self-discovery post-graduation, with themes of love, intellectual pursuits, mental illness, and the complexities of young adulthood. The narrative style combines elements of Victorian literature with modern-day challenges, offering insights into the characters' emotional landscapes and academic endeavors.

    The writing style of Jeffrey Eugenides in 'The Marriage Plot' is described as engaging, introspective, and filled with intellectual depth. The novel explores various themes such as love, literature, religion, and mental health, providing a nuanced portrayal of the characters' inner conflicts and personal growth. offers a blend of academic discourse, emotional exploration, and coming-of-age experiences, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with readers on different levels.

    To start with, look at all the books. There were her Edith Wharton novels, arranged not by title but date of publication; there was the complete Modern Library set of Henry James, a gift from her fath...

  3. #3

    The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
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    "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" by Michael Chabon is an epic novel that spans decades, following two cousins who create comic book characters during the 1940s in America and Europe amidst the backdrop of World War II. The book intricately weaves together themes of friendship, love, bigotry, racism, magic, and mysticism against the evolving landscape of America during that time period. Chabon's writing style is described as beautiful, precise, and poetic, with the ability to captivate readers with his storytelling and character development, making it a joyous tale that is hard to put down.

    The storyline of the book revolves around the lives of the two protagonists, Joe and Sammy, who work together to write comic books during the golden age of comic book publishing. Their journey through creating comic book heroes, facing personal struggles, and dealing with historical events such as World War II is depicted vividly, with each chapter reading like a story from a comic book itself. Chabon's ability to blend actual events from the 1930s to the 1950s seamlessly with the characters makes the novel feel authentic and engaging, drawing readers into a world filled with adventure, tragedy, and triumph.

    IN later years, holding forth to an interviewer or to an audience of aging fans at a comic book convention, Sam Clay liked to declare, apropos of his and Joe Kavalier's greatest creation, that back wh...

  4. #4

    The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
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    'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough is an epic family saga spanning generations, set in the Australian outback. The story revolves around the Cleary family, focusing on the forbidden love between Meggie and Father Ralph, amidst themes of love, loss, and redemption. The author intricately weaves together the lives of vividly described characters, taking readers on a journey through time as they witness the growth and trials of the Cleary family against the backdrop of Australia's rugged landscape.

    The plot of 'The Thorn Birds' is a compelling tale of star-crossed lovers, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by the characters over a span of fifty years. Readers are drawn into the emotional depth of the story, feeling heartbreak, inspiration, and a sense of nostalgia as they follow the characters' journeys from childhood to adulthood. McCullough's writing style is praised for its evocative descriptions, transporting readers to the Australian outback and immersing them in the lives of the Cleary family with a mix of sadness, joy, and historical fiction elements.

    On December 8th, 1915, Meggie Cleary had her fourth birthday. After the breakfast dishes were put away her mother silently thrust a brown paper parcel into her arms and ordered her outside. So Meggie ...

  5. #5

    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
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    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.

    At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po...

  6. #6

    Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
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    "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi is a powerful novel that traces the descendants of two half-sisters, Esi and Effia, born in Ghana, whose lives take different paths during the 18th century. One sister is sold into slavery and taken to America, while the other remains in Ghana, married to a white slaver. The book follows successive generations from both lineages, providing a sweeping narrative that explores themes of family, identity, history, and the enduring impact of slavery on both African and American descendants. The novel is structured as a series of linked stories, each chapter focusing on a different character in the family tree, moving between Ghana and America, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and hardships faced by each generation.

    Yaa Gyasi's writing style in "Homegoing" is praised for its beauty, descriptive prose, and captivating storytelling. The book seamlessly alternates between the two family branches, offering glimpses into the lives of each character over centuries, from the Gold Coast of Africa to present-day America. Gyasi skillfully weaves together historical events, familial connections, and individual experiences, creating a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of race, heritage, and the enduring legacy of slavery across generations.

    THE NIGHT EFFIA OTCHER was born into the musky heat of Fanteland, a fire raged through the woods just outside her father’s compound. It moved quickly, tearing a path for days. It lived off the air; it...

  7. #7

    The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
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    'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett tells the story of light-skinned identical twins, Desiree and Stella, who leave their small town where lightness of skin is highly valued. Stella decides to pass as a white woman, while Desiree marries a dark man and returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter. The novel explores the lives of the daughters of the twins, spanning from Louisiana to New York City, delving into themes of race, identity, family dynamics, and the consequences of choices made.

    The book is a multigenerational family saga that intricately weaves together the lives of the twin sisters, their daughters, and explores themes of racial identity, gender, family relationships, and the impact of societal norms. The writing is beautiful, the story thought-provoking, and the characters feel real, making it a compelling and immersive read that spans decades and various locations.

    The morning one of the lost twins returned to Mallard, Lou LeBon ran to the diner to break the news, and even now, many years later, everyone remembers the shock of sweaty Lou pushing through the glas...

  8. #8

    The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
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    The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt follows the life of Theo Decker, a boy whose life is shattered when a terrorist bombing at an art gallery in New York kills his mother. Theo survives the tragedy and leaves the museum with a priceless painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes a central element in his life. The novel explores Theo's journey from boyhood to adulthood, navigating themes of loss, trauma, unrequited love, art theft, drug addiction, and the complexities of human relationships. The story is narrated through Theo's perspective, offering a deep dive into his emotional turmoil and struggles as he grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

    The narrative style of The Goldfinch is characterized by rich, detailed prose that vividly describes various settings, from the aftermath of a bombing in an art museum to the backwaters of Las Vegas and the high society of New York City. The novel weaves together a complex tapestry of characters, including pretentious and unrealistic figures, intriguing New York personalities, and Theo's enigmatic friend Boris. As Theo's life unfolds amidst a series of challenges and encounters, the painting of The Goldfinch serves as a symbolic thread connecting his past, present, and future, shaping his identity and moral dilemmas.

    WHILE I WASSTILL in Amsterdam, I dreamed about my mother for the first time in years. I’d been shut up in my hotel for more than a week, afraid to telephone anybody or go out; and my heart scrambled a...

  9. #9

    The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
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    'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende is an epic tale spanning three generations of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of politically turbulent times in Latin America. The story revolves around the strong women of the family, their struggles for independence, and their interconnected lives filled with secrets, seduction, revenge, and forgiveness. Allende weaves magical realism into the narrative, creating a captivating journey of imagery and family ties, while exploring themes of love, power, politics, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.

    The book delves into the lives of the Trueba family members, showcasing their complex relationships, personal growth, and the interplay between practicality and spirituality. Allende's vivid and descriptive writing style brings the characters to life, making the reader feel the importance of family in Latin American culture. Through a blend of magical realism and historical facts, the author creates a compelling narrative that explores themes of feminism, political upheaval, and the power of forgiveness.

    Barrabás came to us by sea, the child Clara wrote in her delicate calligraphy. She was already in the habit of writing down important matters, and afterward, when she was mute, she also recorded trivi...

  10. #10

    White Teeth by Zadie Smith
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    White Teeth by Zadie Smith is a novel that follows the intertwined lives of two diverse families in London spanning from the 1980s to the 1990s. The story delves into themes of race, religion, immigration, and identity, as it explores the experiences of immigrants and their descendants living in a multicultural society. Through a mix of humor, wit, and poignant storytelling, the author presents a cast of vividly drawn characters navigating through the complexities of family dynamics, cultural clashes, and personal struggles.

    The narrative of White Teeth is characterized by its fast-paced and vibrant storytelling, filled with engaging dialogues, humorous anecdotes, and insightful observations about life in a diverse city like London. Zadie Smith's writing style is praised for its energy, wit, and ability to capture the essence of characters through distinct voices and detailed descriptions. The novel weaves together multiple perspectives and storylines, culminating in a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    And the sins of the Eastern father shall be visited upon the Western sons. Often taking their time, stored up in the genes like baldness or testicular carcinoma, but sometimes on the very same day. So...

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