Ottessa Moshfegh is an American author of novels, short stories and essays. Her works often delve into themes of alienation, mental illness, and the darker aspects of human experience.
Ottessa Moshfegh was born in 1981 in Boston, Massachusetts.
She earned her MFA in creative writing from Brown University.
Her debut novel, 'McGlue', was published in 2014.
Moshfegh gained critical acclaim for her novel 'Eileen', which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2016.
In 2018, she published 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation', which was also well-received by critics and readers alike.
Gillian Flynn is an American author known for her bestselling novels, including 'Gone Girl' and 'Sharp Objects'. Her works often explore themes of psychological suspense and crime fiction.
Donna Tartt is an American author known for her novels 'The Secret History' and 'The Goldfinch'. Her works often depict characters grappling with complex moral issues and intense psychological states.
Sally Rooney is an Irish author known for her novels 'Conversations with Friends' and 'Normal People'. Her works often explore the complexities of relationships and identity in modern society.
This novel tells the story of a young woman named Eileen, who works in a prison and lives with her alcoholic father. When a new employee, Rebecca, arrives at the prison, Eileen becomes increasingly fascinated with her and the two embark on a strange and unsettling friendship.
The protagonist of this novel is a young woman who decides to spend a year sleeping and taking medication in an attempt to escape the pain and emptiness in her life. However, her plan does not go exactly as she expected.
This novel tells the story of an elderly woman who discovers a note in the woods that seems to describe a murder. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of solving the mystery, she begins to question her own sanity.
Moshfegh's writing style has been described as darkly humorous, disturbing, and precise. She often explores the psychological states of her characters in great detail, and her narratives tend to be unsettling and unpredictable.
Many of Moshfegh's works explore themes of alienation, mental illness, and the darker aspects of human experience. She often portrays characters who are struggling with feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction in their lives, and she is not afraid to delve into the uncomfortable or taboo.
Other authors who explore similar themes and/or have a similar writing style to Moshfegh include Gillian Flynn, Donna Tartt, and Sally Rooney.
Many readers suggest starting with Moshfegh's novel 'Eileen', as it was her breakout success and is a great introduction to her unique style and perspective. 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' is another popular choice.
Moshfegh's work often deals with mature themes and contains explicit language, sexuality, and/or violence. Readers who are sensitive to these topics may want to approach her work with caution.