What one reviewer said about Silas Marner by George Eliot:
Question: How can you ensure that a person will hate a book? Answer: Make her read it for 7th grade English class, make sure that the language is old-fashioned, and above all, make sure that the ideas and concepts are over her head. If that's what happened to you, and that's why you have an aversion to Silas Marner, and you are now over 30, pick it up again. Read it twice. Silas Marner is one of the greatest novels in the English language.
Yes, it starts out sad, as our pathetic hero looses both his trust in humanity and his faith in God. But the power of love replaces his lust for money, and wins out in the end. Meanwhile, morally poor but financially rich, high-living Godfrey Cass provides a counterpoint to simple Silas. At the end there's a surprise when the fate of Godfrey's evil brother is revealed.
When you're all done, before you file Silas Marner on the shelf, go back and read the paragraph about Silas' thoughts when he discovers that his hordes of coins are missing. If you have ever felt sudden extreme loss, you will recognize the stages of despair from disbelief to acceptance "like a man falling into dark water." Which is why this book is not suitable for children, and is most appreciated by those who have undergone their own moral redemption.
Silas has been the inspiration for many other characters, including Dicken's Scrooge. He has been portrayed in movies, including "A Simple Twist of Fate" starring Steve Martin. But none is as good as the original. If you haven't read it since junior high, try it again. Silas Marner is an excellent book. There's a gem of human understanding in every chapter.
Silas Marner is a book that I read in junior high and ever since then it has been my favorite book. I will admit that I was a little sceptical when I first began reading it. It is a book that is written in old fashioned terms and there are some interesting things that are said and done in the book. For instance when Eppie's Mother dies, and also who her father is. Suitable for children? In a sense no, but also yes. It teaches one that times were not as different,in terms of realtions, then as they are now. Even children who may had endured any of these situations in their life time, death or loss of possesion, they can relate to what is happening in the story and understand it better. I bealieve that it was amazing how Marner changed from a closed womb of solitude, lost his money, then found the great joy of love once more. This book shows that everyone has a heart even Silas Marner.
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