35 pages • 1 hour read
Elif BatumanThe Idiot
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.