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

dark emotional 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

3.5

What an odd, interesting, and dark comical fever dream that is this book! I like how Moshfegh explored the complexities of depression and how sleep is truly a coping mechanism and a sort of medication for some. I think this ongoing theme really resonated with me seeing as though most of us, myself included, have been experiencing ebbs and flows when it comes to mental health in light of the pandemic. I personally think the MC wanting to simply sleep her problems away and not wanting to do anything that required even an ounce of energy felt real. Like I get it, girl. 

That aside, I obviously didn’t agree with 90% of her other coping mechanisms, lol. But everyone deals with situations differently, so who am I to judge at the end of the day? Our MC’s therapist, however, I am judging because ma’am… 😐

Overall, I strangely enjoyed this. It wasn’t perfect, but I like to think that I understood what Moshfegh was trying to do. It was interesting to read about someone who, on the outside, may have it all, only to be disturbingly mistaken. I also have to say #Justice4Reena! I’ve been thinking about the ending ever since I finished this. Ugh. 
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