The Possessed

Elif Batuman's blend of personal memoir and literary critique offers a unique perspective. I'm curious what drew her to this specific theme and how she chose which stories to include.

Batuman's stories evoke a sense of longing for a time when reading was a more communal or deliberate act. How do others connect with that feeling in today’s digital age?

Balancing wit with intellectual depth isn't easy, but it makes the essays engaging. Do readers find this approach invites them into deeper conversations about literature?