What it's like to read My Year of Rest and Relaxation, as told by Instagram

My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a darkly humorous read that follows an unnamed narrator who attempts to sleep for a year in a twisted attempt at redemption. Written by author Ottessa Moshfegh, the book is dry and dreary, yet somehow laugh-out-loud funny.

Let’s just say that reading it for the first time is a whirlwind. Famously polarising, this book will leave you with strong feelings of all sorts: love, hate, discomfort and joy.

Though My Year of Rest and Relaxation was initially published in 2019, it’s making the rounds across social media in 2022, and watching it unfold couldn’t be any more entertaining. For those who have read the novel, seeing the initial reactions of other readers is like walking down memory lane. And for those who haven’t read it yet, we hope that the social acclaim inspires you to add it to your TBR list.

Want to get a general idea of what it’s like to pick up this book? Just check out some of these delightful Instagram posts by readers.

Instagram reviews for My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mia ✨ (@readingwith_mia)

‘I was really entertained reading this book! None of the characters were lovable in any way but that’s what made this book so good for me. I wanted to keep reading to see what crazy things the main character did in her sleep next 😂’ - @readingwith_mia

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by .*˚‧ paulina puławska .*˚‧ (@pixellbug)

‘. . . I saw a little sign under Eileen by ottessa moshfegh that said “unhinged girlboss behavior” and it made me giggle. i have not read eileen but i have read my year of rest and relaxation and that book is also unhinged girlboss energy. i know there’s a lot of mixed opinions on this book but i loved it!’ - @pixellbug

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by lissa (@notesfromliterature)

‘words i will never be able to think of the same:infermiterol | whoopi goldberg | diet mountain dew | vcr | hibernation | reva | bodega | relaxation . . .  this story was not afraid of getting dark. it was full of funny remarks and savagery. i ate every word up and enjoyed the exploration of human attachments. the unnamed narrator completely checks out of society and in return hopes for existential clarity. . .  all in all, i selfishly never wanted her hibernation to end.’ - @notesfromliterature

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by cecily 🏛 (@songofcecily)

‘. . . the satire in this was so great that it made me want to ~live laugh love~ than rest and relax! It tackles depression, emotional trauma, pretty privilege, and much more but it’s overall a commentary on the absurdity of a culture so stressful and alienating that being imprisoned in your room for a year and drowning in prescription medication is better than existing. . . This book will remain in my “favorite books of all time” for sure.’ - @songofcecily

Is your interest piqued? Start reading chapter one.