The Possessed
The Possessed
Book Brief
296
Book • Nonfiction
Various Locations • 2000s
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them by Elif Batuman is a literary travel memoir detailing her experiences studying Russian literature. Through a series of essays, Batuman explores her obsession with Russian classics, recounting encounters at a conference on Isaac Babel, travels through Russia and Eastern Europe, and quirky anecdotes about people devoted to these works.
Informative
Contemplative
Humorous
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
6,058 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Possessed by Elif Batuman offers a witty, insightful exploration of Russian literature through personal anecdotes and scholarly pursuits. Reviewers praise its humor, intellectual depth, and engaging prose. Criticisms include its sometimes meandering narrative and occasional esoteric references, which may alienate general readers. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Possessed?
A reader who enjoys The Possessed by Elif Batuman would likely be drawn to literary nonfiction that intertwines personal narrative with intellectual exploration. Fans of Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief or David Foster Wallace's A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again may appreciate Batuman's wit, erudition, and engaging storytelling.
6,058 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Possessed by Elif Batuman blends memoir, travelogue, and literary criticism, showcasing Batuman's humorous and insightful reflections on her experiences in academia and her love for Russian literature.
The title, The Possessed, is a nod to Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel of the same name, known as Demons in more recent translations, which plays an influential role in Batuman's exploration of the Russian literary tradition.
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The book received significant acclaim, being a finalist for the 2010 National Book Critics Circle Award in criticism, highlighting Batuman's engaging and original writing style.
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296
Book • Nonfiction
Various Locations • 2000s
2010
Adult
18+ years
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