I too do not get the wry, mocking humour in Austin and Elliot (whom I find to be the blunter of the two.) so found them dull and dry. Having watched the excellent Daniel Deronda recently produced by BBC, I get it. I found the story engrossing and plot illuminating.

I do wonder if Herr Klesmer’s name also feeds into the theme of the almost underground Jewish culture in England of the day. I find the idea of him being a music teacher and Klesmer music, too much to resist. Also, Eliot demonstrates an appreciation of German, as the way one says, “It doesn’t matter,” in German is to say that it, “Makes nothing.”

I have always quite liked Eliot and have found her themes a bit more meaty that Austins. That said, I still find both of them a bit of a slog.

Enjoy.

Lorraine