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Every book Elif Batuman recommended on podcasts
Elif Batuman has shared her literary expertise and deep engagement with classic literature on platforms such as The Book Review podcast. During her discussion, Batuman explored the monumental works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, reflecting on her lifelong reading journey and academic studies. She detailed how 'Crime and Punishment' was the very first Dostoevsky novel she read, noting that it left an unforgettable impression during her youth when she was especially receptive to deep literature, giving the book a permanent special place in her heart. Batuman also discussed Dostoevsky's novel 'Demons', revealing how it served as direct inspiration for an early book concept where she wanted to write a novel titled 'The Possessed' set within a Stanford-like comparative literature graduate program in the early nineties. Furthermore, she spoke about studying 'The Brothers Karamazov' in an advanced lecture class taught by Monika Greenleaf at Stanford University, explaining that this academic experience allowed her to acquire a much more mature and adult theoretical understanding of Dostoevsky's complex themes. Through these reflections, Batuman illustrated the profound impact of classic Russian literature on both her personal development and her creative writing process.
Books recommended by Elif Batuman
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Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a classic psychological novel that examines the heavy moral burdens, intense guilt, and philosophical dilemmas faced by a desperate student in Saint Petersburg who commits a heinous crime.
Discussed“the first one I read was Crime and Punishment and that was the one that really struck me at that early moment of Youth when I think one is especially receptive to DVI so that has a special place in my heart”
Where to get it
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Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Illustrated)
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Illustrated) is a monumental psychological masterpiece that delves into the tormented mind of a young man who commits a desperate crime and grapples with crushing guilt and moral redemption.
Discussed“the first one I read was Crime and Punishment and that was the one that really struck me at that early moment of Youth when I think one is especially receptive to DVI so that has a special place in my heart”
Where to get it
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Demons
Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a profound novel exploring the societal and psychological chaos that erupts when ideological dogmas displace spiritual frameworks.
Discussed“I actually wanted to write a novel called the possessed which I thought of as a retelling of dust's Novel the demons which is often translated as the possessed set in a Stanford likee comparative literature graduate program in the earlys”
Where to get it
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The Brothers Karamazov
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a profound philosophical novel that delves deeply into faith, doubt, morality, and free will through the tumultuous relationships of the Karamazov family.
Discussed“and then Brothers Kaza I te in a amazing lecture class by Monika Greenleaf at Stanford and that was when I kind of acquired a more adult theoretical understanding of DKI”
Where to get it
Books Elif Batuman wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Charm of 'The Idiot' | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 4 |