Middlemarch by George Eliot

This book follows various, loosely-connected plot lines of different people in the English town of Middlemarch.  These include Dorothea, an idealistic young woman who wants to change the world, Lydgate, an ambitious doctor with a giant crush on self-centered Rosamund, and Fred, Rosamund's brother, and his childhood sweetheart, Mary.  It is well-written and interesting.  Occasionally, the author makes a comment separate from the narrative, which is a little odd.  Dorothea makes a choice that seems somewhat against her character, but I do like the narrator's conclusion that people can make a huge difference to those around them without making an obvious difference in the world.  It does take some time to read, and I personally took a break or two during the process to read something fluffier, but it is worth the time.