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

dark emotional reflective 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

3.0

this book was a breath of fresh air. i have never read anything like it. the main character is unnamed and entirely unlikeable (save for a few snide comments here and there), and the plot lulled at multiple points throughout the novel. however, moshfegh did a wonderful job at conveying an utter sense of despair in her protagonist; not once did i think this character wanted to live another day. i really enjoyed the ending, specifically moshfegh’s style of writing and vibrant choice of words.
i knew reva was going to die the moment she got transferred to the towers, but that last little chapter still stung. even though reva is barely likable, moshfegh did such a great job building her and the protagonist’s relationship that i hurt for the protagonist when reading chapter eight.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings