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

dark mysterious reflective relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.5

Super cool, absurdo read that was a page turner despite nothing really happening in terms of plot, but I am someone that often prefers a good character study over plot. Really enjoyed it.

I don't like how a character's race is only mentioned when they're poc. Not sure if intentional as book is in first privileged-white-woman but even if it is it's too subtle for most white readers and maybe even a few poc readers to pick up on imo if you're super used to all white cast or always assume that anyway. Although this behaviour/racialisation of others/centering of whiteness ofc suits MC and the critique of rich white American privilege.

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