The Idiot - General

[LindaJ^]

Welcome to the idiot's group read. So many possible jokes, so little space, so let's just move on, unless you just can't resist.

Let's start with a few reviews of this book that won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize and appeared on the 2018 Women's Prize short list and some interviews with the author about the book. BEWARE if you do not like spoilers because reviews and interviews usually reveal something about the book!

Reviews:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/28/bo...
https://www.npr.org/2017/03/18/515439...
https://www.startribune.com/review-th...
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

Interviews with the author:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
http://columbiajournal.org/elif-batum...
https://www.vox.com/culture/21498963/...

I've managed to read 1/3 of the book in between other major reading projects but will give it more attention now that our discussion is beginning. Who else will be an idiot interlocutor this month?

[Hugh]

Thanks Linda. Not sure if I will be participating as I don't yet have a copy, but will see if I can track one down.

[Alwynne]

I've been thinking about rereading this before tackling Either/Or so think I may join in later, I remember liking it although I think it sagged a bit in places.

[[deleted user]]

I'll be joining you, but have a couple of reading projects to finish first too. Thanks for the links!

[Mark]

I'm in. I read The Possessed: Adventures With Russian Books and the People Who Read Them, drawn in, frankly, by the cover art. I was charmed by her perspective and heedless, pretentious innocence. I read The Idiot as soon as I could to live a little longer in her world. I've forgotten a lot, but I'll chime in if I see something worth pointing out. (Thanks for the reviews)

[Pamela]

I’ll be reading this, probably starting at the end of the week. This book wasn’t on my radar before it popped up on the polls, but it sounds like one I’d like so looking forward to it.

[James]

Hi! I'm reading this, currently about 2/3rds the way through. I'm enjoying the writing but still not sure where it's going. Looking forward to the comments on this one. Thanks for the links, Linda!

[LindaJ^]

Welcome All.

I've made it to the halfway point. I am thinking this is satire and wondering how it strikes others.

[Nidhi]

Just began this book, like it so far.

[Ellen]

I have finished it.

[LindaJ^]

Nidhi and Ellen, glad you're with us. There are threads up for Part 1 and for Part 2 & whole book. Look forward to your thoughts.