A review by savvylit
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark reflective tense 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? Yes

4.5

Otessa Moshfegh is truly a master at characterization. Very little happens for much of this novel and yet I was riveted by Eileen's mundane and pitiful existence. As a narrator, Eileen is both incredibly unlikeable and compelling. In fact, she's a hateful narcissist from page one. However, as Eileen reveals more about her truly bleak home life, readers discover that most of her bad behavior is a thinly veiled attempt at control and self-protection.

What plot there is in this novel is unwrapped very gradually. Moshfegh deeply immerses the reader in the mind and daily routines of Eileen. Thus, the climax is as jarring to readers as it likely was for our fictional narrator. After so many pages daydreaming along with Eileen, any sort of change of pace feels momentous. Worth the wait, the final action in this novel is both bizarre and fitting.

Ultimately, I loved this book despite the abundance of disgusting details in it's pages.There's something about reading Moshfegh that feels like indulging in an unhealthy yet decadent meal. Everything is disturbing and delicous at the same time. I absolutely ate this story up and savored every bite.
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