Like... redneck country noir as set in 19th century New England. A strong internal voice, and memorable. Perfectly believable as Moshfegh’s first published book. ( )

this is far from moshfeghs worst despite what many say. this book was beautifully grotesque; it was paced perfectly and was such an interesting introspection on grief through the eyes of an ill, deluded man. the last scene left me in shambles, it touched me in a way i was not expecting. the main problem i had with this book was the overuse of slurs, i think she could have gotten the same effect through a different method. overall this book was a pleasant surprise, it ended up being one of my favorites by moshfegh despite me expecting it to be underwhelming. ( )

Was this a pleasant read? Not at all. Was the writing good? Well, if you continue to turn the pages of a story where a character couldn't be much more repugnant than McGlue I guess it is. I finished in one reading as I knew if I didn't, I might not want to come back to it - ( )

4.0

Short, Savage and Brilliant. Moshfegh brings the damned into the light in a cacophony of brilliant prose again. This time the subject is a drunken, contemptible and filthy wretch who seems only passionate about the things he hates. Now he is facing trial and judgement for killing the only thing he could love, aside from a bottle and his own misery. ( )

I love Ottessa, but I didn't enjoy this. ( )