tatjanasbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-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
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
kaitlynjeon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
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
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual violence
lybe's review
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I enjoyed The Idiot but this just fell flat. Batuman's extraordinary humour that was such a big contribution to why its predecessor was and is so popular is still there (and I did laugh out loud several times, thank you very much) but the novel as a whole feels tedious and lacklustre. Batuman's interviews surrounding its publication were truly interesting but those ideas and concepts are just murmuring around in the background and rarely ever transpire superficially in a naïve (American?) way.
I would have most likely DNF'd this if I hadn't been listening to the audiobook.
I would have most likely DNF'd this if I hadn't been listening to the audiobook.
Spoiler
The amount of mostly unreflected r*p* scenes in this? What's with that?Graphic: Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Vomit, Alcoholism, Transphobia, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
dillyoz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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
3.75
The ending was very disappointing and soured an otherwise engaging read. Selin is reflective, relatable, whimsical and it’s fun to read her reflections in daily life. It starts off strong and easy to devour but the ending was honestly upsetting.
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
abmochapman's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I feel like Either/Or gives Selin a really solid, satisfying ending that The Idiot lacked, but I do still hope that we will see her again and that, maybe next time, she might finally explore her attraction to women. Maybe that will be the meaning she seeks!
Moderate: Sexual violence
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