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

reflective relaxing fast-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

☆ ☆ ☆ (3.5/5)

Short Review (TL;DR):
  • Felt very guilty pleasure — not a lot of substance, but enjoyable
  • Hated everyone, but also loved to hate them
  • Sprinkle of female friendships and mother-daughter relationship analysis
Long Review:
Based on the cover I had expected something a little bit more intellectual or something with a bit more grit: this book was not that. It was, however, a very enjoyable read. 

It has that “guilty pleasure” quality that reminded me of reading The Clique or Gossip Girl in middle school, but for adults: rich people having problems and really not doing anything but developing a pill popping problem about it.

I love an intentionally dislikable main character and this gave me exactly that. Like this girl is so privileged and out of touch with reality. But also, she’s living everyone’s “dream “ right? I don’t know how many times I’ve said something along the lines of “I wish I could sleep for a month” or “I wish I could pause life for a year and just do nothing”.

Also I just enjoy any book that explore female friendships and/or mother-daughter relationships and this gave me a little if that which was nice!

On the ending: The second Reva
got the job at the world trade center
I knew what would happen and I’m so mad about it.
Reva deserved so much more.
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