A review by renreads2much
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Although my criteria for five star books is kinda strict, I genuinely do believe that this book is five stars from my perspective. (And you can always check my journal entries even though there arent that many because I was too busy reading the book instead of also writing about it LOL). Anyways, here were the notes I took while reading:

  • For the most part Eileen is literally me. I dont know how to feel about that...
    • I can relate/understand seeing life from such a nihlistic point of view and having a really negative relationship with family.
    • ALSO I dont necessarily RELATE to her, (past me would be able to though TBH). But I now more so UNDERSTAND her, I dont necessarily agree with everything she says or does. (Because omg, she is a bit fucked up.)
  • Ottessa's writing is so atmospheric and really paints a picture in your mind about the environment. Great world building/descriptions
  • In normal Ottessa fashion there is some off-putting, disturbing, disgusting, weird shit in here. Which can be uncomfortable to read. But I love it
  • I love how some aspects feel anonymous, like Eileen is keeping secrets from the reader. It really keeps us on our toes 
  • Woman manipulator, gaslight, gatekeep, girl boss
    • She's also a little bit of mansplain, manipulate, and masturbate <3
  • Some parts are kind of gay... Eileen at points kind of reminds me of Hachi from Nana by Ai Yazawa with how she describes her admiration for Rebecca 
  • I love the use of symbolism and how odd it is (Whether it's being used oddly, or the object/thing thats a symbol is weird)
  • For the first half of the book it isnt really plot driven, it's more so just seeing what Eileen's mind and life is like. But towards the middle is where plot comes in

Weird, and strangely speaks to me. Well written and honestly unforgettable.