Elif Batuman is an American author who delves into the intricacies of academic life and the pursuit of meaning within literature. Her writing is celebrated for its almost "helplessly epigrammatical" style, characterized by sharp, witty observations. Batuman explores themes of education, cultural encounters, and deep engagement with texts. Her works invite readers to reflect on the learning process and how books shape our understanding of the world.
This anthology features original short stories from renowned international authors, each inspired by the surreal and thought-provoking themes of Franz Kafka's work. The collection explores existential dilemmas, absurdity, and the complexities of human experience, showcasing diverse voices that reflect Kafka's influence while offering fresh perspectives. Readers can expect a rich tapestry of narratives that challenge conventional storytelling and delve into the depths of the human psyche.
Selin, a tall, highly strung Turkish-American from New Jersey turns up at Harvard with no idea what to expect. What she doesn't expect is: - How much time she will spend thinking about language and its limitations; - An opinionated cosmopolitan Serb named Svetlana, who will become her confidante; - A mathematician from Hungary called Ivan, whom she will obsess over when she is supposed to be studying; - Feeling dangerously overwhelmed by the challenges and possibilities of adulthood. But most of all, Selin does not expect to embark on a study of precisely how baffling love can be when you are trying to forge a self...
Batuman searches for the answers to the big questions in the details of lived experience, combining fresh readings of the great Russians with the sad and funny stories of the lives they continue to influence--including her own.