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A review by mattyvreads
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This book is not for me. I, unfortunately, did not really care for it. I found it to be for real very boring, actually.
I do think it is well-written, but it could have been an email.
It was like “POV toxic relationship”. Like a culmination of my least favorite parts of “A Very Nice Girl” and my least favorite stylistic elements of “Flights”. Just… not for me.
There were good parts! I find moments in this book absolutely and effortlessly hilarious. The author finds humor in the mundane and in the human condition.
Many parts of the book went over my head. I found it mostly pretentious and unapproachable. Also, the protagonist’s neuroses were in constant conflict with my own.
Some of the book was actually informative. I love the way that it discusses language and the evolution of language, and shit like that. Pretty cool.
I do think it is well-written, but it could have been an email.
It was like “POV toxic relationship”. Like a culmination of my least favorite parts of “A Very Nice Girl” and my least favorite stylistic elements of “Flights”. Just… not for me.
There were good parts! I find moments in this book absolutely and effortlessly hilarious. The author finds humor in the mundane and in the human condition.
Many parts of the book went over my head. I found it mostly pretentious and unapproachable. Also, the protagonist’s neuroses were in constant conflict with my own.
Some of the book was actually informative. I love the way that it discusses language and the evolution of language, and shit like that. Pretty cool.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Racism, War, Alcoholism, Homophobia, and Misogyny