The Idiot

Name: The Idiot
SKU: 9780099583172
Availability: OutOfStock

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Book Summary

Discover TikTok’s new favourite book. ‘I loved it and could have read a thousand more pages of it’ Emma Cline, author of The Girls Selin, a tall, highly strung Turkish-American from New Jersey turns up at Harvard with no idea what to expect. What she doesn’t expect is: – How much time she will spend thinking about language and its limitations – An opinionated cosmopolitan Serb named Svetlana, who will become her confidante – A mathematician from Hungary called Ivan, whom she will obsess over when she is supposed to be studying – Feeling dangerously overwhelmed by the challenges and possibilities of adulthood But most of all, Selin does not expect to embark on a study of precisely how baffling love can be when you are trying to forge a self… _______________- PRAISE FOR THE IDIOT: ‘A moving, continent-hopping coming-of-age story’ Observer ‘Elif Batuman surely has one of the best senses of humour…refreshing and unique’ Sheila Heti ‘Full of zingy one-liners’ Financial Times ‘Hilarious, brilliant observations about writing, life and crushes’ Curtis Sittenfeld ‘Delightful and slyly funny’ Red

Language: English
Paperback: 432 pages
ISBN-10: 0099583178
ISBN-13: 9780099583172
Genre: Popular Fiction
Condition: New

Out of stock

SKU: 9780099583172 Categories: Books, English Books, Literature &Fiction

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The Idiot

The Idiot Book Description

Fans of witty, coming‑of‑age stories will love The Idiot. Selin, a tall, highly strung Turkish‑American from New Jersey, arrives at Harvard with no clear plan. She quickly discovers that language can trap her thoughts, that friendship arrives in the form of a cosmopolitan Serb named Svetlana, and that a handsome Hungarian mathematician, Ivan, will dominate her imagination. Meanwhile, she wrestles with the frightening freedom of adulthood and the bewildering nature of first love. The novel captures the chaos of forging an identity while navigating campus life, love, and the limits of words.

Throughout the narrative, Selin’s inner monologue feels fresh and relatable. Readers will laugh at her sharp observations, cringe at her insecurities, and cheer when she finds small moments of clarity. Moreover, the story moves across continents, allowing the reader to explore both the bustling streets of New York and the historic halls of Harvard. This blend of humor and vulnerability makes The Idiot a compelling read for anyone who has ever felt out of place.

Key Features of The Idiot

One of the book’s strongest assets is its witty prose. Elif Batuman delivers zingy one‑liners that keep the pace lively. Additionally, the novel offers insightful commentary on language and its constraints, inviting readers to reflect on how we shape our world with words. The supporting cast, especially Svetlana and Ivan, provide contrast and depth, showcasing diverse cultural perspectives.

Furthermore, the novel has earned praise from notable reviewers. The Observer calls it “a moving, continent‑hopping coming‑of‑age story.” Sheila Hetti highlights Batuman’s “refreshing and unique” humor, while the Financial Times notes its “full of zingy one‑liners” style. These endorsements underline the book’s broad appeal and literary merit.

Why Read This Book?

Readers can expect a story that feels both personal and universal. The themes of identity, love, and the struggle to find one’s voice resonate across ages. Because Selin’s journey mirrors the uncertainty many face after high school, the novel offers both comfort and challenge. Moreover, the humor balances the more serious moments, making the reading experience enjoyable rather than heavy.

Fans of contemporary fiction will appreciate Batuman’s ability to blend intellectual musings with everyday teenage worries. Also, the novel’s setting—spanning New Jersey, Harvard, and occasional trips abroad—adds a vibrant backdrop that enriches the plot. Therefore, The Idiot provides a fresh perspective on the classic coming‑of‑age formula.

About This Book

Language: English
Paperback: 432 pages
ISBN‑10: 0099583178
ISBN‑13: 9780099583172
Genre: Popular Fiction
Condition: New

More detail about this book and its author can be found on Goodreads. Discover other great English titles in our store through the English Books collection.