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A review by hurlyburlywitch
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
3.25
Being told from the perspective of an older, wiser self is always an interesting framing. That being said, Eileen's self loathing is both pathetic and all-consuming, as well as contagious. I found that I loathed both her and myself, both for judging her and for the parts of myself that were emboldened by her own flaws and self loathing.
The eventual pay off was rewarding, but it felt like it was a real slog getting there followed by a manic dash to the finish.
The eventual pay off was rewarding, but it felt like it was a real slog getting there followed by a manic dash to the finish.
Graphic: Alcohol, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Rape, and Alcoholism