Middlesex

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is a spellbinding epic that charts the journey of Calliope Stephanides and three generations of the Greek-American Stephanides family. From their humble beginnings in a small village in Asia Minor, across the seas to the bustling streets of Prohibition-era Detroit, and through the turmoil of the 1967 race riots, the family's story is a rich tapestry of culture, history, and personal discovery. Settling eventually in the serene suburbs of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the Stephanides family's saga unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America.

As Calliope, or Callie, grows up, it becomes increasingly clear that she is not like other girls. To understand her unique identity, Callie embarks on a deeply personal quest, uncovering a startling family secret and an extraordinary genetic inheritance. This journey transforms Callie into Cal, a narrator whose voice is as audacious as it is captivating.

Lyrical and thrilling, Middlesex seamlessly weaves together themes of identity, family, and self-discovery. Eugenides' masterful prose illuminates the complexities of gender and the immigrant experience, making for a compelling narrative that is both enlightening and deeply moving.

Since its release, Middlesex has garnered critical acclaim, winning the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. It stands as a bold reinvention of the American epic, a modern classic that continues to resonate with readers around the world. This edition is part of the Collins Modern Classics series, which features some of the most significant works of contemporary literature, books that offer profound insights into the human condition and will endure for generations.