"The year is 1995, and email is new. Selin, the daughter of Turkish immigrants, arrives for her freshman year at Harvard. She signs up for classes in subjects she has never heard of, befriends her charismatic and worldly Serbian classmate Svetlana, and, almost by accident, begins corresponding with Ivan, an older mathematics student from Hungary. Selin may have barely spoken to Ivan, but with each email they exchange, the act of writing seems to take on new and increasingly mysterious meanings"--Dust jacket flap.

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About the author
Elif Batuman
Author
Elif Batuman is an American author, academic, and journalist. She is the author of three books: a memoir, The Possessed, the novel The Idiot, which was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and Either/Or. Batuman is a staff writer for The New Yorker.
The Idiot
by Elif Batuman
Books Like The Idiot
If you're looking for books similar to The Idiot, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
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A nuanced exploration of young love and intellectual connection between two complex characters. The novel follows Connell and Marianne from high school through college, examining their intimate relationship and personal growth. Like 'The Idiot', it delves into the intricacies of communication, social dynamics, and emotional development during early adulthood.
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A powerful narrative about identity, immigration, and cultural experiences of a young Nigerian woman. Like 'The Idiot', it explores themes of cultural displacement, intellectual discovery, and personal transformation. The protagonist's journey of self-understanding resonates with Selin's experiences.
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A dark, intellectual novel set in a prestigious college environment. The book explores complex relationships among a group of classics students. Like 'The Idiot', it delves into academic settings, intellectual obsessions, and the dynamics of young adult relationships.
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A novel following three college graduates in the early 1980s, exploring love, academia, and personal identity. The book shares 'The Idiot's' intellectual backdrop and focus on young adults discovering themselves. It delves into complex romantic and intellectual relationships among recent college graduates.
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A coming-of-age story about a teenage girl navigating the social complexities of an elite boarding school. The protagonist's keen observations and sense of outsider status mirror Selin's experiences at Harvard. The novel offers a sharp, introspective look at adolescent social dynamics and personal growth.
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A quirky novel about a woman finding meaning in her work at a convenience store. The book shares 'The Idiot's' exploration of social expectations and personal identity. It offers a unique perspective on individual adaptation and societal norms.
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