Daniel Deronda by George Eliot. We watched this together by chance one night shortly after we got married and both loved it. It's another long one (3 or 4 hours maybe? Plan to watch it in two nights or so) but there are some tales you just don't want to skimp on and this is one.
I won't give you too much on plot, just introduce you to the most important characters. Daniel Deronda (played by Hugh Dancy) is a young Englishman of aristocratic upbringing but dubious parentage who is trying to find his place in the world. Gwendolyn Harleth (Romola Garai) is an exceptional beauty accustomed to using her many assets to manipulate her way through society. There is also Henleigh Grancourt, Gwendolyn's cold and sadistic suitor (played to perfection by Hugh Bonneville) and Mirah Lapidoth (Jodhi May), a beautiful, penniless Jewish orphan and talented singer who is supported by Deronda. Their different lives weave together to create a compelling picture of English society in the 1860s with a particularly fascinating and sympathetic view of Jewish culture in a largely anti-semitic environment.
More than that, you'll just have to get from watching yourself. The production is just great, as all these Masterpiece Theatre/BBC productions are, with great costumes, music and casting. Enjoy, and if you watch, let us know what you think!
Next week: A Room With A View by E.M. Forester with Helena Bonham-Carter, Daniel Day-Lewis and Maggie Smith.
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