My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is a provocative novel that delves into the life of an unnamed protagonist who decides to escape the world through a year-long regimen of prescription drugs aimed at inducing near-continuous sleep. Set in the early 2000s, the narrative explores themes of privilege, depression, and the search for meaning in a materialistic society.

The protagonist, an orphaned young woman with a trust fund, finds herself disillusioned with life in New York City. She is haunted by a troubled past, including an absent father and an emotionally abusive mother, which fuels her desire to numb herself from reality. Her only close relationship is with her friend Reva, whom she views with a mixture of disdain and pity.

Moshfegh's writing is characterized by a dark humor and a stark portrayal of the grotesque aspects of life. The novel's gritty realism and unflinching look at the protagonist's self-destructive behavior are both disturbing and thought-provoking. Some readers interpret the book as a critique of contemporary society's emptiness and the impact of privilege, while others see it as a deeply personal story of a woman's attempt to cope with her internal demons​ (Kirkus Reviews)​​ (Catalyst)​.

The novel has been polarizing, with some praising its audacity and others criticizing its lack of plot and the unlikeable nature of its main character. Nonetheless, My Year of Rest and Relaxation remains a compelling read that challenges the reader to reflect on issues of mental health, societal expectations, and personal agency​ (BERKELEY FICTION REVIEW)​.