Middlemarch, for example, is about young woman in charge (7)
I believe the answer is:
classic
'middlemarch' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'is about young woman in charge' is the wordplay.
'is about' becomes 'c' (abbreviation for circa).
'young woman' becomes 'lass' (informal term for a young woman).
'in charge' becomes 'ic' (abbreviation for 'in charge').
'c'+'lass'+'ic'='CLASSIC'
'for example' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for classic that I've seen before include "Timeless-quality work; a race" , "Very great work of art" , "Of the highest order - the Derby, for example" , "Recognised as excellent" , "Simple, neat and elegant" .)