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
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.
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