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

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

4.0

I found the writing extremely fluid much like a thought process which is exactly what it is coming from the unnamed character serving as the narrator. The narrator is extremely unlikeable but incredibly human; she has a bunch of trauma
(the death of her father from cancer, her relationship with her mother who committed suicide, as well as a destructive on and off relationship with her ex boyfriend, and more)
from her past, this doesn't make me want to like her or excuse any of her behaviour and the way she treats and manipulates the people in her life. She is also extremely self aware making her even more unlikable. This novel explores privilege especially with our narrator was not the rich, conventionally attractive, blonde, young woman without many responsibilities her year of hibernation
(which in the end works out for her and she ends up having a renaissance of feelings about life)
wouldn't have happened and the alternative would be very different. I would say it's worth a read if it's been on your list but definitely check your content warnings. 

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