The Possessed

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Elif Batuman’s first article in n+1, 'Babel in California,' left a lasting impression, weaving together various human destinies at Stanford during a conference on Isaac Babel. In her narrative, she humorously misplaces Babel’s last living relatives at the San Francisco airport, reveals his unexpected influence on King Kong, and introduces a voice rich in unpredictability, humor, and a genuine love for literature. Her subsequent writings for esteemed publications like The New Yorker and Harper’s Magazine have established her as a sought-after voice of her generation. In The Possessed, Batuman investigates a potential murder at Tolstoy’s estate, journeys through Stanford, Switzerland, and St. Petersburg, retraces Pushkin’s travels in the Caucasus, and explores the nuances of Old Uzbek, which has a hundred words for crying. Themes of love, literature, and the individual’s place in history permeate her work. By following in the footsteps of her literary heroes, Batuman seeks answers to profound questions through the intricacies of lived experiences, blending fresh interpretations of Russian literature with poignant and humorous stories that resonate with her own life.