Either/Or

More about the book

From the acclaimed author of The Idiot, this novel follows Selin as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery during her sophomore year at Harvard in 1996. As the only American-born member of her family, Selin feels the pressure to make her time at university meaningful. She grapples with the events of the previous summer, particularly her enigmatic crush, Ivan, who helped her secure a job in the Hungarian countryside. Questions swirl around her experiences there and the strange connections she now has with Ivan's ex-girlfriend. While the unfolding drama resembles an exciting narrative, Selin is troubled by the prevalence of "crazy abandoned women" in literature and wonders how to live a life as captivating as a novel without falling into that stereotype. With guidance from her literature syllabus and her more experienced peers, Selin begins to understand the significance of parties, alcohol, and sex, and she is determined to embrace these experiences. Her quest for adventure leads her to consider international travel. With a compelling blend of humor and insight, this novel captures the intensity of youth and leaves readers pondering profound questions long after the story concludes.