Reviews

Either/Or by Elif Batuman

Only show reviews with written explanations

residentauggust's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Chock full of quirky insights and introspective ruminations, definitely for fans of slightly depressing literary fiction. I liked it a lot better than Sally Rooney—it’s smarter and less depressing—but I imagine it will appeal to a similar crowd.

Selin is a very interesting character. At times intimately relatable even though she has about fifty thoughts for every one a normal person would have, and at other times I couldn’t understand her at all—

Spoiler

the way she recounts her experiences with creepy men stalking, harassing, and sexually coercing her over her summer travels in such a casual tone had me completely boggled

. Apparently she’s heavily autobiographical, which I believe. The person who can write such a character must be her equal in oddness.

Overall I’d say it’s a fine demonstration of what an excess of intellect and brainpower can create.