SPOILER WARNING Hello! I actually just finished this book and similarly went searching for answers to questions I had after reading. I have a few thoughts. One, I don’t think I fully enjoyed the book because I was also left with that “what was the point” feeling, but I understand it. Don’t like it, but understand it. The beginning and end to the book have a very “full circle” feel that falls flat. In the beginning she’s having this instinctual feeling to run from the scene (flight) and is terrified of what she’s found… and in the end she has a instinctual self defense (fight) that happens with Charlie. At first I was lost on why that fight happened, but I think it’s there literally for the full circle opposition between two instinctual feelings (Kinda a similar nod to her pointlessly buying the suit just to have to need it at the very end).I also fully agree with you, I think she wrote the note to distract herself from the fact that she wasted her life with a husband who was unfaithful. And at first it works, because I’m the beginning you believe she had this “life-long love.” However by the end, as she becomes more intertwined with her delusion (and especially after Charlie goes missing and she loses some of that distraction) we get revealed how horrible he actually was. I also agree on the idea that she was mentally Ill, I think the whole book is an exploration on that, as well as story building aspects (which is ironic considering that there’s not much actual story building in the book). Anyway that’s my take! Loved the video.
I hope my rambling makes sense, I have a lot more to say, but this is kinda the basis of my feelings. Your video really drew me in because you had very similar thoughts about the ending as I did. Anyway, have a good day :)
@@dixiejean5115 Hey! Thank you for commenting and giving me your opinion. I LOVE IT, this is the whole point of Booktube! I completely agree with your points! [also spoiler warning if anyone else decides to read haha] ✧ Exactly it had so much potential to be full circle, but the delivery… same as you, I felt ‘what was the point’. ✧ Yess (regarding your statement about Charlie & Vesta). I felt that Vesta thought what happened to Charlie was just the way of life. And that’s what led her to what she did at the end of the book - walking out into the forest (so bizarre but like you said, it’s the full circle moment!). ✧ I started to write notes every time I questioned the husbands personality and behaviour towards Vesta, and again you are so right in the fact this amps up after Charlie vanishes. Your comments made complete sense. Have you read any of her other books? I’m keen to read Eileen as theres going to be a film adaptation. I didn't notice your comment, otherwise I would have replied straight away! I hope you've had a good week :)
@@Ashleighsbooklist I'm so glad you read my comment! I love talking to people who have similar reactions to books. I haven't read anything else by her, but I was also looking into reading more of her work because I really like her style of writing. I also would like to read Eileen. I didn't know there would be a film adaptation at all. I've heard much better reviews for that book. I also want to pick up 'Homesick for Another World.' Thanks for the response :)
@@dixiejean5115me too! Yeah the Eileen adaptation is going to have Ann Hathaway playing Eileen (I believe unless I’ve got the characters mixed up), and I love her! I’d never heard of Homesick for Another World, tho I just looked it up and it sounds good. If I end up reading either this year I’ll comment back here to see if you ended up reading them :) Have a nice day!
I just fined the book like 10 mins ago and am seeking answers on that ending 😭😂 I was really hoping something intriguing would come out of that couple she met who were throwing the murder-mystery party with friends. When she interacted with the townsfolk, I really thought something related to the mystery may happen. I really wanted to find out what happened to Magda! The thing that I admire about Moshfegh’s writing is that all her works are a character study/ meditation. She is soooo good at building a world where one character mostly carried the whole thing. However, I wanted this one to be different because of the supposed murder that opens the book. I will definitely keep reading Moshfegh, but was very let down by this read 😭
Honestly, I felt the same when finishing the book that's why I decided to make the video 😅 - the couple: the interactions with the murder mystery party were so strange, like the way they treated her was odd. Unless we were getting a warped view of how they treated her as it was all from Vesta's POV. - I knowww, like was Magda ever real. What do you think?! I wouldn't mind if that was the case if the story was written differently. I was left feeling incredibly underwhelmed. - I'm glad you are continuing with Mishfegh, sadly I haven't felt encouraged and motivated to read another book of hers yet due to this experience lol - such a shame as I've heard great things about her!
Okay that's good to hear because I was surprised that I didn't enjoy Death in Her Hands as I heard Moshfegh books were good. I was thinking maybe I just wasn't going to jel with her writing style. Would you recommend your favourite book of hers and I'll give that a go!
Totally agree with you. It's a shame her other books are great. Maybe Ottessa was trying too hard with this one . Or , maybe it's meant to confuse like Vesta mind ?
I must read her other work! As this is the first one I’ve read 😕. I think I’m going to give Eileen a go. Yes I agree maybe it was just meant to confuse like Vesta but the execution wasn’t there
@@Ashleighsbooklist I've started to read "Drive your plow over the bones of the dead" by olga tokarczuk trans fiction winner of noble prize . Said to be like " death in her hands" / William Blake quotes / crime /also older person . I've heard this is what Ottessas book should have been ! So far I'm enjoying , maybe worth a read as ottessa herself said in interview both published near same time both quote Blake ? Same idea written in different styles.
The ending felt rushed and mumbeled. What leaves me puzzeled is the whole relationship with the neigbours. However, i strongly related to the charactes as I am slavic myself and Vesta reminds me of my grandma and every other old lady up in everyones bussines, judgemental, forgetful etc. She might have not actually had dementia but she was forgetful, which explains the notes. What Moshfegh does well is serve you an unreliable narrator, one that makes you question every "fact" that they serve you. A compelling story but the last two chapters ruined what could have been an okay book.
I agree the ending was definitely rushed and mumbled (& frustrating). I’m glad you found it compelling, sadly I didn’t have that experience & I had to really push through to the end. Exactly, I had so many questions regarding the neighbours, it was so so odd. I also agree, Vesta definitely wrote the notes and forgot about it. What would you say is your favourite Moshfegh book? I’ve heard she’s a great writer, I’m gutted this was my first experience of her work.
