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.

Melancholic / Dark / Unnerving / Contemplative

Ottessa Moshfegh

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore My Year of Rest and Relaxation reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read My Year of Rest and Relaxation | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore My Year of Rest and Relaxation and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 My Year of Rest and Relaxation Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 2-3

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 My Year of Rest and Relaxation Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Character Analysis

theme

Themes

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Themes

Symbols & Motifs

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

My Year of Rest and Relaxation Essay Topics

My Year of Rest and Relaxation

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read My Year of Rest and Relaxation?

Reading Age

Book Details