Book Review: The Possessed by Elif Batuman
Elif Batuman’s The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them is a delightful and intellectually stimulating blend of memoir, literary criticism, and travelogue. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in its first edition on April 1, 2011, this book is a love letter to Russian literature and the eccentric, obsessive world of those who study it.
Batuman, a scholar and writer with a Ph.D. in comparative literature, invites readers into her quirky academic journey, weaving personal anecdotes with insightful analyses of Russian literary giants like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Babel. The book is structured as a series of essays, each exploring a different facet of her experiences—whether it’s studying in Uzbekistan, attending a Tolstoy conference, or navigating the peculiarities of graduate school. Her prose is witty, erudite, and refreshingly accessible, making complex literary ideas engaging for both casual readers and seasoned academics.
What sets The Possessed apart is Batuman’s ability to balance humor with profundity. She captures the absurdity of academic life—such as the chaotic logistics of a summer language program or the heated debates over obscure texts—while also reflecting on the deeper emotional and philosophical connections people form with literature. Her storytelling is vivid, often painting her fellow scholars and students as characters as colorful as those in the novels they study.
The book’s strength lies in its unique perspective: it’s not just about Russian literature but about how books shape lives and identities. Batuman’s passion for her subject is infectious, and her self-deprecating humor makes her a relatable guide. However, readers expecting a straightforward academic treatise may find the meandering, anecdotal style a bit disorienting. The essays, while loosely connected, sometimes feel like standalone pieces, which can disrupt the narrative flow.
Overall, The Possessed is a captivating read for anyone who loves literature, enjoys sharp humor, or is curious about the quirks of academic life. Batuman’s debut is a testament to the enduring power of books and the wonderfully strange people who dedicate their lives to them. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate a blend of intellectual rigor and playful storytelling.
Rating: 4/5 stars
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