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

dark funny reflective sad medium-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

5.0

I was surprised at how much I genuinely loved this book. I already want to re-read it. I can see the criticisms that we’re made about this book, but personally, the book was very relatable for me. The book gave a real look at types of depression and how different people cope with their grief. I also love books that describe every day, mundane things in an interesting manner, and the prose of this book does it very well. The psychiatrist was hilarious, I don’t think I’ve run across such a perfectly scattered and absurd character before. The ending was also interesting and unexpectedly tied historical events into the final chapter. I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone because it can definitely be triggering and the characters may be annoying to many people, but I love this book and will be re-reading it.  
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