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?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Vomit, Alcoholism, Transphobia, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
savvylit'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
Two aspects of this novel that I really enjoyed were the same things that I loved about The Idiot: Selin's dry humor & her genuine confusion regarding societal norms. As I read, I found myself thinking that I'd missed Selin and her perspectives on the world. That's how effectively her character is written. Batuman makes Selin feel as authentic and accessible as someone you could know in real life.
**Slight spoilers ahead**
**Slight spoilers ahead**
Spoiler
Either/Or was ultimately quite different from The Idiot in one primary way: Selin begins to have physical encounters with men for the first time. Throughout Either/Or, Selin mentions her desire to feel like she's living a full life - like she were a character in a novel. Thus, rather heartbreakingly, her desire to have sex is mor abstract and solely motivated by a heteronormative sense of obligation. As the book progresses, Selin is often sexually harassed and coerced into sex. The accuracy and realism of these passages is devastating and demonstrative of the need for all people to continue to demand enthusiastic consent. It's the only acceptable response for any question of physical intimacy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming
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