Either/Or

By: Elif Batuman

Narrated by: Elif Batuman

An instant New York Times bestseller!

A New York Times Notable Book of 2022

“Batuman has a gift for making the universe seem, somehow, like the benevolent and witty literary seminar you wish it were . . .This novel wins you over in a million micro-observations.” —The New York Times

“Batuman is a genius, rendering human folly at its most colorful and borderline surreal.” —Vogue

From the acclaimed and bestselling author of The Idiot, the continuation of beloved protagonist Selin’s quest for self-knowledge, as she travels abroad and tests the limits of her newfound adulthood

Selin is the luckiest person in her family: the only one who was born in America and got to go to Harvard. Now it’s sophomore year, 1996, and Selin knows she has to make it count. The first order of business: to figure out the meaning of everything that happened over the summer. Why did Selin’s elusive crush, Ivan, find her that job in the Hungarian countryside? What was up with all those other people in the Hungarian countryside? Why is Ivan’s weird ex-girlfriend now trying to get in touch with Selin? On the plus side, it feels like the plot of an exciting novel. On the other hand, why do so many novels have crazy abandoned women in them? How does one live a life as interesting as a novel—a life worthy of becoming a novel—without becoming a crazy abandoned woman oneself?

Guided by her literature syllabus and by her more worldly and confident peers, Selin reaches certain conclusions about the universal importance of parties, alcohol, and sex, and resolves to execute them in practice—no matter what the cost. Next on the list: international travel.

Unfolding with the propulsive logic and intensity of youth, Either/Or is a landmark novel by one of our most brilliant writers. Hilarious, revelatory, and unforgettable, its gripping narrative will confront you with searching questions that persist long after the last page.

©2022 Elif Batuman (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

One of The New Yorker’s Best Books of 2022

“Selin’s back for her sophomore year, and I’m happy to report that it’s even better. Batuman’s masterful at making fun of self-serious academics and, somehow, Selin’s become so relatable, she seemed to merge with myself. I can’t wait for junior year.”—NPR, “Books We Love”

“[Either/Or is] more vigorous, and Selin has become a stronger and more definite character. When she chooses to veil her emotions, it is only to make the inevitable unveiling all the more devastating.”—Vox

“Batuman has produced another page-turning delight, a morsel of Ivy League realism . . . Perhaps Batuman’s genius lies in her eagerness to endow the small dramas of campus life with the same importance as the big existential questions.”—Harvard Review

I loved it!

It’s all just perfect! Every time I listen to a great audiobook I cannot imagine having read it instead. This book is more powerful and enjoyable because of the narration.

Unexpected Pleasure

Leif Bateman’s writer’s voice is authentic, intelligent, unique and totally relatable. What a joy to listen to Either/Or.

One of my favorites

I just loved this whole book. It felt like I was laughing out loud every other page—even the parts about depression, bad sex, and academia-induced-existentialism. The kind of laughter you’d share with your younger self, if you could go back and talk to her amidst the angst of self-discovery. (And tell her that, yes, we ARE an idiot, but it’s going to be ok.)

I look forward to reading everything Elif Batuman writes.

Excellent. Also hilarious.

I thought this book was very interesting. It was also the funniest book I have read in a long time.

Intelligence is not always an advantage

This was sad humor wrapped in the struggle of a woman who, though she is intelligent, seems to know so little about herself or those around her. Her life lessons are weird and she isn't smart enough to learn from them. She ends up in Russia ill prepared.

More of the same

I’m not sure why I thought this second volume of the trilogy would be better then the first. Perhaps it was a few percentage points better. On the other hand I had purchased the first two on a whim and didn’t want to waste it.

How do you get through Harvard without knowing about how to kiss a member of the opposite sex, let alone knowing nothing about sex? Did you ask mind-numbingly-insipid, boring questions of your self while losing your virginity?

No third volume for me …

I love this series

I finished this book in about two days and felt myself wanting to know more about Celine’s story. I have become attached to the main character and her story in these novels in a way I have not previously experienced. Celine sees the world through such a unique but also strangely normal viewpoint. I hope there is a third book!!!!

Unusual- and enjoyed it

Although I can see how some people would not enjoy the author’s voice in this reading, I think it is perfect. Her somewhat monotone intonations match the writing style. You do have to pay attention because there are all kind of interesting revelations thrown in among humdrum descriptions. In the end I found it intoxicating and loved it.

The beautiful language and many insights.

An amazing book filled with beautiful language and moments. I will buy the book so I can read and will listen to it again. Thank you Elim

Brilliant, funny, thoughtful, comforting

I didn’t think I could enjoy a book more than Batuman’s debut, The Idiot— I’m glad to report that Either/Or is even more of a pleasure, start to finish, because so many questions introduced in the former are explored and answered here. I don’t think her books need to be read in order, and they can all stand alone. This book adds an element missing from the first— Selin’s romantic and physical desires manifest in reality and play a major role, to often hilarious effect, but never to the detriment of her creative and scholarly pursuits. Her world expands to include more memorable characters, but familiar storylines continue— Svetlana and Ivan both return in different and welcome ways. Batuman’s voice and comic timing are the perfect way to experience her writing— go with the audio if you’re unsure whether to read or to listen. Those looking forward to Selin’s return will be thrilled with the way her journey continues to play out. I didn’t want it to end— am hoping that Selin’s story covers a lifetime— her voice, and Batuman’s, are so distinct and vital.