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

adventurous dark emotional funny sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book slayed. I think it's one of those books where you really need to be in the mood, or a part of its "niche" to be able to appreciate this. This book was filled with angst, sadness, and feminine rage. 


As the book progresses, it becomes clear that the unnamed MC is still dealing with a lot of her childhood traumas, parent deaths, and abnormal boyfriend. At first, I thought it was only brought into the story to provide her background and build her character -- but you can see how much she dwells on all the problems of her past. Miss Unnamed MC doesn't care about the present or the future, she's stuck in her past. 😣 


I originally picked up this book for a few reasons: I wanted an independent female MC, the story resonated with me (I, too, would love to hibernate for a year), and the MC resembled me. And yeah, this fit all my expectations with each turning point. And I was INVESTED. Yes girlie! Keep sleeping for 3 days at a time without eating, I want to know more! Slay queen! Take a shit in a public area, you go girl!

I was mind-blown at how carefree (or careless?) she was about everything. God, I wish I could be her. Maybe I'm like Reva, the sidekick friend who wishes she was hot, has unethical boy issues, and buys things to be liked. Yeah, I guess I am Reva. 

Also, Reva's house opens a lot of new philosophical questions about her and the story take-aways overall. Like, holy shit.

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