A review by cabbageroad
The Idiot by Elif Batuman

emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

it’s hard to get a read on this book. it took me a while to read, by my typical pace, at least. there were sections where i found myself thinking “yes, this is why i’m still reading” only the best followed by 20 pages i had to mindlessly drag myself through. it upsets me that i kept looking forward to her interactions with ivan, but i feel as though that may have been the point. or perhaps i’m just trying to make myself feel better. who knows?

i love selin dearly. her thoughts are incredibly relatable and i loved just living in her brain, her way of relaying information was one i really enjoyed. but the complete lack of plot, especially in the beginning, was a bit difficult at points.

overall, this book knows exactly what it wants to do and does it well, im just not sure this style of book is really for me.