A review by alexandra13
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Eileen is filthy, and dark. Moshfegh's main character is a nobody who spends far too long living with her alcoholic father, pining over the hot woman in town who just showed up. I love the way Mosfegh writes, and how she creates dark pits for characters. But the discussion of themes such as incest and pedophilia can feel heavy handed at times, which is in line with Eileen's deplorable character, but it is very uncomfortable.
However, I don't believe Eileen's future in a beautiful house, in a beautiful town. I will give Moshfegh the benefit of the doubt and say that it is Eileen's unreliable narration, and desperation in making the reader believe that she turns into Rebecca after moving to New York, but I doubt it. The narration that describes her future feels disconnected from Eileen's past in a way that is impossible.
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