Middlesex

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 2002, Jeffrey Eugenides' novel «Middlesex» received widespread acclaim for its profound exploration of gender identity and intercultural differences. The book tells the story of Cal Stephanides, an intersex individual, and spans three generations of his Greek-American family. Eugenides skillfully intertwines personal and historical events, from the Greco-Turkish War to Detroit in the 1960s, to illustrate how genetics and culture shape identity. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2003 and was praised for challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality. «Middlesex» significantly influenced cultural discussions on gender, promoting greater understanding and acceptance of intersex individuals. The book also contributed to literature on migration and assimilation, exploring how family histories and cultural roots affect personal identity.