35 pages • 1 hour read
The Idiot
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Book Brief
423
Novel • Fiction
Harvard University • 1990s
2017
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Idiot by Elif Batuman follows Selin, a Turkish-American freshman at Harvard in 1995, as she navigates first love and the complexities of human connection amidst the advent of the internet. She develops an intense, platonic relationship with Ivan, a senior from Hungary, and spends a summer teaching in Hungary to be near him. The story also explores Selin's academic journey and evolving understanding of language and reality.
Contemplative
Humorous
Bittersweet
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
93,850 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Idiot by Elif Batuman has been well-received for its dry humor, intellectual depth, and relatable portrayal of a young woman's journey through academia and self-discovery. However, the narrative's leisurely pace and lack of a conventional plot have divided readers. Some find the protagonist's introspection endearing, while others view it as meandering. Overall, the novel is a thoughtful yet polarizing read.
Who Should Read The Idiot?
Readers who enjoyed the introspective tone and intellectual curiosity in The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer or the coming-of-age narrative in Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami will find much to appreciate in Elif Batuman's The Idiot. This novel appeals to those who relish literary fiction rich in humor, self-discovery, and academic settings.
93,850 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Svetlana
Svetlana
An international student from Serbia and Selin's closest friend, whose deep understanding of history contrasts with Selin’s fresh perspective.
Ivan Varga
Ivan Varga
A Hungarian international student studying mathematics, who shares a unique and philosophical correspondence with Selin, prompting her emotional introspection.
423
Novel • Fiction
Harvard University • 1990s
2017
YA
18+ years
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