Reading 1001 discussion

Give us your reviews, long or short? Does this book belong on the 1001 Books list? Will you read more George Eliot?

Rating: 4 Stars
Read: February 2017

I admit, this took me a while to get into. The second half of the book, however, is amazing. I enjoyed seeing the transformation in Silas when Eppie entered his life. It is a heart-warming book with positive messages. I will definitely read more George Eliot.

Silas Marner (George Eliot) ***

True, it is a nice story, a bit of Job in reverse, which finishes rather well. But it failed at being enthralling, more on the "meh" side. A case where small is better does not work: I prefer Middlemarch.

★★★★★

A brilliant story that well deserves its place on the list. I can't wait to read more Eliot. Contrary to Diane and Patrick, I got into the story right away and was enthralled.

<(view spoiler)[>

We follow the life of Silas Marner, a decent hard working man who is betrayed by his closest friend in a way that crushes his faith. His withdrawal from society, as much as he can while still providing a roof over his head, is portrayed in a way that makes each step rational given prior events. Mocked by children because of a physical deformity and abused when he just wants to be left alone, he substitutes the money he earns for God, becoming a miser. Then that too is stolen. Then Silas saves Eppie, a little girl, in a snowstorm and is saved by her love in return.

A wonderful heartwarming story. (hide spoiler)]

Silas Marner George Elliot
★★★★

This is the story of a weaver called Silas Marner when he is falsely accused and cast out from his religious community he takes up refuge outside the town of Raveloe where he avoids people as much as possible for fear of further hurt and slowly earns a small fortune which he spends his evenings countings.

Disaster strikes and Silas is forced into closer communication with the people of Raveloe who are not as bad as he feared they may be.

Silas loss is made up for in another gift one who teaches him the importance of family, loyalty, love and community.

I really enjoyed the book and was pleased with the way the lose ends were tied up, would recommend it to those who enjoy Dickens or Hardy.