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A review by oddreads_nicolestins
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
So much of this book was about making us understand how "perverse" or "deviant" Eileen was in her mid-20s. I couldn't really enjoy this book because everything was framed so negatively except her "love interests" and quick statements about her experience as an aged woman. Eileen was basically angry, depressed, and emotionally stunted so badly that she made bad decisions. That's usually how it goes, and there are so many stories like this- I can't say how this is more "playful, shocking, or witty" (NYT review blurb 😂) than similar stories.
As for the writing style, it was okay. There were no major flaws that put me off. It just wasn't as good as I thought it would be- and of course the constant references to weight or food were very annoying. I had heard that her books were fatphobic and after reading just this book I can see that.
As for the writing style, it was okay. There were no major flaws that put me off. It just wasn't as good as I thought it would be- and of course the constant references to weight or food were very annoying. I had heard that her books were fatphobic and after reading just this book I can see that.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual assault, Vomit, Body shaming, and Misogyny
Minor: Gaslighting, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Grief, Homophobia, and Classism