74 pages • 2 hours read
George EliotDaniel Deronda
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1876A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Daniel Deronda by George Eliot follows the interconnected lives of Daniel Deronda, who is conflicted about his identity and future, and Gwendolen Harleth, whose life changes drastically after her family's financial ruin. As Gwendolen grapples with her circumstances and an abusive marriage proposal, Daniel saves a Jewish singer named Mirah from suicide and becomes entangled in her search for her family and his exploration of Jewish culture. The book includes references to a suicide attempt and antisemitism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Daniel Deronda by George Eliot is praised for its deep exploration of identity and social issues, showcasing Eliot's skillful character development and intricate plot. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the dual storylines unevenly engaging. Overall, it is celebrated for its thought-provoking themes and literary merit.
Who Should Read Daniel Deronda?
A reader who enjoys Daniel Deronda by George Eliot is likely interested in complex character studies, 19th-century British society, and themes of identity and moral choice. Similar audiences would appreciate works like Middlemarch by George Eliot or Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.