A review by phantompansy
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark emotional reflective slow-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

5.0

this was dark, haunting, and entirely captivating. a beautifully written character study of a young woman at her breaking point. I wouldn't recommend it to people who want something to happen, as this is first and foremost a dissection of Eileen as a character, and plot takes a backseat which I really enjoyed. haven't stopped thinking about this since I read it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Violence, Vomit, and Alcohol

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Excrement, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism

Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Gun violence, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, and Injury/Injury detail