Middlemarch

Middlemarch and The Name of the Rose - I had multiple goes at both but was just too young. Also have a theory that you can only read Margaret Drabble’s novels when you are roughly the age she was when she wrote them, which is working perfectly so far.

Middlemarch. I simply didn't understand it when I was a student! But I know a bit more about why people make unsuitable marriages and the desire to do 'good works' and leave a legacy now I am in my mid-40s. So the story is much more relatable.

I have read all replies. And while I suspect it unlikely @rachsyme is actually reviewing the suggestions, I will observe that when you cut all the books under 600 pages (most), only ONE is written by a woman. It is Middlemarch by George Eliot. And it is the correct answer.

For sure Middlemarch!

middlemarch!! it has EVERYTHING--life, death, grief abuse, manipulation, cross-class romance, evil machinations, their defeat, polish identity, a dorky uncle with a heart of gold who attempts an ill-fated run for public office--EVERYTHING.

Love Middlemarch.

I went away for a hiking weekend in the woods with my then-boyfriend and two of his friends once, years ago. Broke my foot on the first day and spent the next three days on the deck, on my own, with a flask of tea, reading Middlemarch. One of my favourite ever weekends!

Agree with Middlemarch; it’s my all-time favorite novel.

A person should read Middlemarch at least once, slowly, as a grown-up. And perhaps every ten years or so if time allows. (My other Big Book is Boswell's 'Life of Johnson', but I go back to that in chunks.)

Not a recommendation because I haven’t read it but Brothers Karamazov is on my big book list. I’m starting to think Middlemarch needs to be on there given the replies

Middlemarch is a good fall/winter long book.

#1 is Brothers Karamazov, but I've decided that it's hard to parse the cultural stuff to get to why it's great, so I usually recommend #2, which is like unto it, Middlemarch...

Middlemarch (though I'm guessing there's a high likelihood you're already a fan!)

Love how many people are saying Middlemarch. I loved that book.

Middlemarch! Not least because it contains the surprisingly contemporary phrase “swamp of awkwardness” re: social anxiety.