54 pages • 1 hour read
Either/Or
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Book Brief
360
Novel • Fiction
Harvard University • 1990s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Either/Or by Elif Batuman follows Selin Karadag, a sophomore at Harvard College, as she navigates her academic and personal life, grapples with the aftermath of a confusing pseudo-relationship, and strives to understand her own identity and desires. As Selin explores literature, relationships, and new experiences domestically and abroad, she seeks to translate her fragmented reality into a cohesive narrative. The book depicts experiences with mental health and depression.
Contemplative
Humorous
Emotional
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
25,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elif Batuman's Either/Or is applauded for its witty, introspective narrative and engaging exploration of a young woman's intellectual and personal growth. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and the protagonist's musings occasionally overindulgent. Overall, it's a thought-provoking sequel with rich literary references, appealing mainly to fans of cerebral fiction.
Who Should Read Either/Or?
Readers who enjoy Either/Or by Elif Batuman are typically fans of literary fiction infused with intellectual exploration and humor. They appreciate introspective narratives similar to Sally Rooney's Normal People and Ottessa Moshfegh's My Year of Rest and Relaxation, blending personal growth with philosophical musings.
25,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ivan
Ivan
A Hungarian-born former student and Selin's confusing love interest, who is now pursuing an advanced degree in mathematics in California. His interactions with Selin largely occur through email exchanges centered around intellectual and literary discussions.
Svetlana
Svetlana
Selin's closest friend at Harvard, with whom she shares a Russian class experience. A Serbian-born student, Svetlana offers insights into Selin's personal struggles and encourages her to seek therapy, reflecting their strong friendship.
Riley, Priya, Lakshmi, and Juho
Riley, Priya, Lakshmi, and Juho
These are Selin's classmates and roommates in overflow housing, mostly foreign students who contribute to Selin's intellectual and social growth. They engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas and help facilitate Selin's personal development through their interactions.
360
Novel • Fiction
Harvard University • 1990s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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