I find it very interesting how Eileen's loneliness and naivety led to her complete idealism of Rebecca and how she felt freed and transformed through her confrontation with Mrs. Polk and leaving her father. I loved the deadpan narration of things most would find disturbing through Eileen's monotonous and apathetic voice. Although I personally wasn't too shocked by this book or made uncomfortable until the parts describing Leonard's abuse, it definitely is not for the feeble hearted. I think it takes a certain loneliness in the reader to feel true empathy for Eileen. I definitely agree that I have never really read anything like her writing style. I like how it is jarring though.
i’ve read every book by otessa moshfegh except for mcglue ((i really want to get to it)). this is my favorite moshfegh book and she’s my favorite author. your review made me miss the first time i read this book but it was really well done. you’re absolutely right, this book is UNHINGED, but somehow otessa makes it charming. she makes it work.
Haven't started the video yet but I JUST finished this book and I agree it was unhinged. I personally found it very interesting and almost felt like it could end up being a classic but it was very strange and I'm not sure how I feel about that strange vibe yet!!
haven't read homesick for another world but also strangely liked eileen (and i HATED my year of rest and relaxation) & that kinda made her grown on me too i guess?! i wanna read mcglue by her next
ughh I have been wanting to read my year of rest and relaxation but ive been so swamped with reading material for school seeing you review eileen makes me :( i haven’t read anything by her yet
One glaring problem I have with this book ( and I love this book, don't get me wrong ) is that Randy is cruising around town on his motorcycle - in WINTER. Anyone who lives in a northern climate such as myself, knows that people do not ride motorbikes on snow and ice-covered streets. lol. I REALLY had to suspend my disbelief on that one.
lol wait this is so funny 😂 my brain didn’t even register that while reading but you’re so right. Eileen could barely make it in the snow in her old truck. No way was Randy cruising on his motorcycle
@@ebonykenae Lol...yeah, I probably wouldn't have noticed, but she mentions the motorbikes and the winter conditions more than a couple times. Thanks for the confirmation that my one issue is legit. lol
Read this last year and enjoyed it so much! The prose style was perfect for the story. I thought it was a brilliant debut. Some parts were gross and other parts were strangely funny. Like when she crashes the car into a snowdrift and passes out and wakes up to a puddle of sick on the seat next to her lol.
i was already finally about to give in and read an Ottessa Moshfeg book sooner or later but this video will make me do that this week itself! Which book do you recommend I should start with??
@@ebonykenae homesick for another world is such an interesting book title makes me want to read it immediately tbh but I'll take your advice and start with Eileen. thank you!!!
yes! i think there could be an argument for this, particularly how rebecca seems to disappear without a trace, especially after the last 50 pages of the book. eileen is unreliable in the sense that she is constantly drunk/blacking out
I really loved it apart from ONE issue, I just couldn’t digest at all. It still disturbs me, and I read it two years ago. I’m sure you can guess what that was LOL!! Too much for me. She’s a beautiful writer though. It’s made me scared to read any of her other books.
