3.5

The pace was slow at the beginning. Hit a turning point and then the plot really took off. Excellent descriptions of setting and landscapes. Characterizations of the central characters were well done (there are tons of supporting and side characters as well.) George Eliot dealt with some difficult topics with thoughtfulness and compassion. Except for one thing. I felt bad about how Eliot treated poor Seth (Adam's brother) in the book. He was a very kind, patient, and good-hearted man. But no one gave him any attention or much kindness. Especially his mother. She was awful to him. I desperately wanted him to get some happiness of his own or at least some respect before the last page of the book. But, no. Nothing.