My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is a literary fiction gem that blends dark comedy with raw emotional depth. Set in New York City in 2000, it follows an unnamed narrator, a recent Columbia grad in her early 20s, who inherits enough money to quit working after her parents’ deaths. She embarks on a year-long experiment to “hibernate” through art, prescription pills, and isolation, aiming to reset her life. With her toxic friend Reva and an eccentric psychiatrist, Dr. Tuttle, as her only tethers, her descent is both bleak and strangely captivating.

Moshfegh’s prose is unflinching and hypnotic, capturing the narrator’s apathy and sharp cynicism with biting humor. The early-2000s Manhattan setting—think VHS tapes and pre-9/11 unease—grounds the story in a hazy nostalgia. The narrator’s privilege and self-destruction make her a polarizing figure: some will find her compelling, others insufferable. Reva’s bulimia and Dr. Tuttle’s absurdity add satirical flair, though the plot’s meandering pace might test readers craving action. Its exploration of grief, consumerism, and mental health is provocative, making it a modern cult classic.

Who should read it? This is a must for fans of Sally Rooney or Bret Easton Ellis who love literary fiction or dark comedy. If you’re into character-driven stories, psychological depth, or books like Eileen, you’ll be engrossed. It’s ideal for readers (18+) who enjoy unconventional narratives and don’t mind unlikable protagonists, but those seeking plot-heavy or uplifting tales might find it too bleak. Check trigger warnings for substance abuse, eating disorders, grief, and mental health struggles.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a bold, unsettling portrait of a woman unraveling and rebuilding. Moshfegh’s sharp wit and raw honesty will haunt and fascinate you.

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