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A review by bibliomich
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Eileen is one of those reads that you're (probably) either going to absolutely love or totally hate. Moshfegh delivers a brilliantly written unlikeable female protagonist who reminds us that when you remove the thin veneer of civility, humans can be kind of disgusting creatures. I found the book to be gross, but in a fascinating, I-can't-stop-reading-this kind of way.
There's a lot of exposition in this one, and it feels like it takes nearly 75% of the book for anything to really *happen*. I personally prefer character development over plot development. But either way, the payoff is well worth it in the end. There was a specific line towards the end of the book (which I won't quote here, at risk of spoiling the story) where my brain went, "Ohhh I'm reading a thriller." I'm excited to read more of Moshfegh's writing in the future.
There's a lot of exposition in this one, and it feels like it takes nearly 75% of the book for anything to really *happen*. I personally prefer character development over plot development. But either way, the payoff is well worth it in the end. There was a specific line towards the end of the book (which I won't quote here, at risk of spoiling the story) where my brain went, "Ohhh I'm reading a thriller." I'm excited to read more of Moshfegh's writing in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Pedophilia
Moderate: Vomit, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Mental illness, Death of parent, Fatphobia, and Violence