In My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, a young, disenchanted woman in Manhattan decides to anesthetize herself from life's pain by sleeping for an entire year, utilizing a unique combination of prescription drugs obtained through an unscrupulous psychiatrist. The story follows her journey as she navigates relationships, personal trauma, and her unconventional method of seeking transformation. The novel includes descriptions of substance use, death, eating disorders, and abusive behavior.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh received praise for its dark humor, original premise, and incisive critique of modern life. Critics appreciated the compelling exploration of depression and self-destruction. Some found the protagonist unlikable and the plot repetitive, yet the novel’s provocative nature and bold narrative were widely acknowledged.

A reader who would enjoy My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is likely drawn to dark humor, introspective narratives, and flawed protagonists. Fans of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath or Eileen by Moshfegh herself would appreciate this modern exploration of existential ennui and psychological complexity.

Ottessa Moshfegh

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