The novel itself is written to make the reader exceedingly uncomfortable. The reader is reading from the perspective of Eileen, who is (I think it's safe to say) a disturbed young woman who lived and struggled "fifty years ago". The reader is given some insight into Eileen's mind, allowed to become comfortable or to relate with Eileen a bit, before Moshfegh interjects like an intrusive thought with the personal and grotesque details of Eileen's own thoughts and perceptions.
Though the novel is written from her perspective, the reader gets the sense that the narrative is not entirely trustworthy. The reader is left to wonder at who she really is, since the descriptions of herself and the language used are clearly from the perspective of her older self; not the age she is during the story itself. This aged perspective is very critical of the way Eileen lives her life, echoing the voice of her father and sour opinions of her character shared by her coworkers and townspeople. Young Eileen is not who she appears to be at first glance; with nearly all signs of self-expression and thoughtfulness internalized and hidden. The development of this hidden character determines the outcome of the story she is telling. I love writing like this that skews perspectives and forces the reader into a world or thought patterns where they would not normally venture. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in psychology, trauma, and the often undefined journey to discover one's self-worth and identity.
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Crystal CarneyAs I engage with material, whether reading, writing, or revising, I strive for clarity and immersion. Archives
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