A review by chelseamoon
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark funny sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I found myself asking why is (insert absurdly racist, ableist, homophobic, offensive thing) necessary. I understand unlikable protagonists, but this character didn’t seem even the least bit enjoyable at all. The ending was even more unrealistic than the idea of taking a whole year off for sleeping. Overall seemed like the author was trying to make being offensive and unkind “because of mental illness” relatable and ok. I think the idea of being mean because of mental illness really portrays it in a harmful way. 

Maybe this was relatable to some, but not me. 
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