This book is definitely strongest in the middle half, but I quite enjoyed it - especially Batuman’s prose. Batuman accurately captures what going into adulthood is like and how despite how hard we might try or hope, language and love can fail us. I've linked a video review that sums up my thoughts well. I also thought there were a lot of queer undertones in Selin (a wonderfully complex main character), especially with all the talk of Sonya being an unlucky name and her worrying about not finding love... 🏳️‍🌈❓