George Eliot

George Eliot, whose given name was Mary Ann Evans, was as English as a cloudy summer day, born in Warwickshire to a strictly Anglican family. Her early life was steeped in Evangelical Christianity, though she later embraced a more secular humanism, eventually becoming a prominent agnostic voice of her era. So, no, absolutely no "O" score to speak of for our esteemed author.

However, Eliot harbored a profound intellectual curiosity about Jewish history and culture, leading to one of her most famous novels, "Daniel Deronda." This monumental work explores themes of Jewish identity, Zionism, and the spiritual yearning for a homeland, showcasing an impressive depth of research and empathy for the Jewish experience. She even taught herself Hebrew for the book, which, while not quite a bat mitzvah, is certainly a commendable effort for a Gentile.

While she never converted or identified as Jewish, her thoughtful portrayal of Jewish characters and her engagement with complex Jewish themes were groundbreaking for her time, earning her significant admiration within Jewish intellectual circles. This sympathetic and detailed engagement pushes her "I" score slightly beyond zero, acknowledging her intellectual "identity" with the subject matter, if not the faith itself.

As for Kvell-worthiness? Unquestionably a perfect five. Her literary achievements are immense, her prose masterful, and her psychological realism revolutionary. "Middlemarch" alone is enough to justify a high K, but her entire body of work secures her place among the pantheon of English literature.