Book 37 - The Meaning

Title: The Idiot

Author: Elif Batuman

Genre: contemporary coming-of-age fiction

I wish I had read this book in university, but at the same time I can't be sure that I would have appreciated it like I do now. Nostalgia almost feels like a prerequisite for a way to experience this book - not the only way, but one of many.

There's a line in Sally Rooney's Normal People where the protag says that she feels like her brain is a computer, capable of processing anything, the epitome of potential. Batuman's story is like the realization of that sentiment. The protag, Selin, has a mind that goes off in all the directions, taking in the people and situations around her and puzzling over them in a way that's exhausting and so- so right for that time in life.

Also - THE END. THE END IS EVERYTHING. The end captures one of my core beliefs of this world, and the whole winding, emotional ride is worth it for how it all comes to a close.

Rating: 🍓🍓🍓🍓