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

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

3.0

This book was both unique and bizarre. I had bought it at the airport looking for a light holiday read but instead found it kept me anxious and tense, worried for the wellbeing of the protagonist and in disbelief that someone could survive at length the absurd cocktail of prescription medication! The focus was on the protagonist who it feels we never really get to know which made for slow development, and the flow often felt repetitive and drawn-out, although this was possibly an artistic choice. Despite this, I did enjoy the way the author writes and many elements were wonderfully detailed and beautifully grotesque so despite wanting to abandon it a few times, I persevered. 

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