A review by mediatrikcxs
Either/Or by Elif Batuman

funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It's interesting to read a second Elif Batuman book several years after reading The Idiot, when I have a much more strongly developed sense of self and can find myself disagreeing with a lot of the things the main character says or thinks. Most of Batuman's works are at least partially autobiographical, and I get the sense that she herself no longer feels or thinks the way she did about certain topics. The notes at the end of the book slap, don't skip those.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Stalking

the entire second half of the book basically covers the main character's sexual exploits with various men.

the character doesn't seem to explicitly say that these instances were experienced as sexual assault, stalking, or harassment, and I want to respect that especially given that I know this author often writes about her own life and past experiences. With that said, if reading about men assaulting or harassing women is at all triggering for you, I don't recommend reading the entire summer travel section at the end.