Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
The opening line of this bookwill be one of those I will never forget.I was born twice: first, as a baby girl...in January of 1960; and then again, as a teenage boy...in August of 1974.
Middlesex is the story of Cal, a hermaphrodite, and his Greek-origined family, beginning with his grandparents' escape from Turkey to settle down in the USA at the end of the WWI. Cal tells the events leading to his birth - sharing some family secrets along the way- in a very intimate manner, which makes the reader feel like they are listening to a friend during a late night chat over a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
Intertwined with the social history of the 20th century US, Cal's story makes a compelling read, making us question family values, sexual identities, cultural differences and, most importantly, the age old question of 'nature vs nurture'.
I have not read Eugenides' other books but his style and language are masterly devised and put together in this one; it is easy to see why he has received the Pulitzer Prize.
10/10 KitKats!