| Language | From $0.00 |
| Release Date | July 10, 2018 |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Author | Ottessa Moshfegh |
| File Size | Penguin Books |
| Rating | (4.09) |
My Year of Rest and Relaxation tells the story of a young woman living in New York City in the early 2000s who decides to spend a year of her life in a self-induced sleep with the help of various prescription medications. The protagonist, an unnamed art history graduate, is determined to escape from her unfulfilling life and believes that by “hibernating” for a year, she will be able to wake up a new, refreshed person.
Her enabler, Dr. Tuttle, is an eccentric and questionable psychiatrist who readily prescribes an array of medications to facilitate the protagonist’s journey. The protagonist’s relationships with her best friend, Reva, and her deceased parents also play a significant role in her decision to embark on this experiment.
At its core, My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a novel about escapism and self-discovery. The protagonist seeks to escape the pain and emptiness of her life by disconnecting from the world entirely through sleep. Her reliance on medication to achieve this state reflects the growing trend of prescription drug use as a means to cope with life’s challenges.
However, as the protagonist’s year unfolds, it becomes apparent that her experiment is not solely about escape, but also about self-discovery. Through her excessive sleep and vivid, often surreal dreams, she is forced to confront her past traumas, her relationships, and her own identity.
The novel also explores themes of loneliness and human connection. The protagonist’s decision to sleep for a year is, in part, a result of her profound sense of isolation from others. Despite her friendship with Reva, she struggles to form meaningful connections and feels alienated from the world around her.
This theme is further emphasized by the protagonist’s relationships with her deceased parents, both of whom failed to provide the emotional support and connection she desperately needed. Throughout the novel, the protagonist’s journey raises questions about the role of human connection in our lives and the consequences of isolation.
Moshfegh’s protagonist is a complex character, whose motivations and personality are central to the novel. She is intelligent, introspective, and self-destructive, with a biting wit that often veers into dark humor. Throughout the novel, her growth and development are apparent as she confronts her past and begins to understand her need for human connection.
Dr. Tuttle serves as both an enabler and a cautionary figure in the protagonist’s journey. Her questionable ethics and motivations, combined with her willingness to prescribe a dangerous combination of medications, highlight the potential risks of relying on pharmaceuticals to solve one’s problems.
The protagonist’s relationships with secondary characters, such as her friend Reva, serve to further illuminate her struggles with loneliness and connection. Reva, in particular, acts as a foil to the protagonist, highlighting the stark differences in their approaches to life and relationships.
Ottessa Moshfegh’s writing style is characterized by dark humor, wit, and a keen sense of introspection. This unique voice allows her to tackle heavy themes while maintaining a sense of levity and balance. Moshfegh’s ability to blend introspection with comedy helps to make My Year of Rest and Relaxation a captivating and thought-provoking read.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, tackling themes of escapism, self-discovery, and the importance of human connection. Moshfegh’s distinct voice, combined with her richly-drawn characters, make this a novel that will linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page has been turned. While some readers may find the protagonist’s actions and motivations challenging to understand, those who appreciate dark humor and introspection will likely find this novel a rewarding and engaging read.
