Elif Batuman, in the Spring 2006 issue of n+1, explores the essence of the novel. She contrasts short stories that often focus on concise language with novels that embrace the “irrelevant garbage.” In her novel The Idiot, published in 2017, Batuman embodies this concept.
The Idiot incorporates email, a medium laden with triviality, as a central element. The story begins in 1995 at Harvard, where the protagonist, Selin, a Turkish-American woman, ventures into the realms of language, philosophy, and fiction writing. Her interactions with Ivan, a Hungarian math student, unfold through email exchanges that blend with their academic pursuits, creating a unique narrative structure.
The evolving relationship between Selin and Ivan via email reflects Batuman’s belief in narratives that do not follow conventional arcs. Instead, the novel meanders like a “random walk,” mirroring Ivan’s mathematical focus. Batuman appreciates the unconventional and describes Haruki Murakami’s novels as “botched” with plot twists that add a dynamic flair. In The Idiot, Selin’s numerous dreams intertwine with her college experiences, enhancing the novel’s dreamlike quality.
The conclusion of The Idiot may seem inconclusive, with Selin finding herself back where she started. However, the novel’s main focus is not on plot progression but on exploring language, dreams, and technology, illustrating a journey of youthful complexity. This open-ended conclusion hints at new beginnings, reminiscent of Batuman’s idea of a continuous narrative journey.
