Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
My Year of Rest and Relaxation summary
Brief summary
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is a darkly humorous novel that follows a young woman's quest to escape her life and find peace through a year-long, drug-induced hibernation.
Topics
Table of Contents
My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Summary of key ideas
Escaping Reality Through Rest and Medication
In My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, we are introduced to a young woman living in New York City, who is deeply dissatisfied with her life. She is grieving the loss of her parents, working a job she detests, and is in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend. In an attempt to escape her reality, she decides to embark on a year-long experiment of self-induced hibernation, aided by a cocktail of prescription drugs.
Our protagonist, whose name we never learn, seeks the help of a psychiatrist who is more than willing to prescribe her a variety of medications. She spends her days in a state of semi-consciousness, only waking up to eat, take more pills, and visit her therapist. She also befriends a quirky artist, Reva, who is oblivious to her friend's extreme behavior and mental state.
Exploring the Depths of Isolation and Disconnection
As the year progresses, the protagonist's isolation deepens, and her mental state deteriorates. She becomes increasingly detached from reality, her emotions numbed by the drugs she consumes. She spends her days watching old movies, reading classic literature, and reflecting on her past, all the while avoiding any form of human interaction.
Despite her self-imposed isolation, the protagonist's year of rest and relaxation is anything but peaceful. She experiences vivid and disturbing dreams, and her mental health continues to decline. Her only connection to the outside world is her interactions with her psychiatrist and Reva, both of whom are oblivious to the extent of her suffering.
Confronting the Past and Embracing Change
As the year comes to an end, the protagonist begins to confront the reality of her situation. She realizes that her year of hibernation has not provided the escape she had hoped for. Instead, it has only served to deepen her sense of isolation and disconnection from the world. She also comes to terms with the fact that the drugs she has been taking have only been masking her pain, not healing it.
In the final act of the novel, the protagonist makes a decision to wean herself off the medication and face her reality head-on. She ends her toxic relationship, quits her job, and begins the process of healing and self-discovery. She also comes to terms with the loss of her parents and the trauma of her past, realizing that she cannot escape her pain, but she can learn to live with it.
Reflections on Society and Mental Health
Throughout My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Moshfegh offers a scathing critique of modern society and its treatment of mental health. The protagonist's extreme behavior can be seen as a response to the pressures and expectations placed upon her by society. Her decision to escape reality through medication and isolation is a desperate attempt to find peace in a world that offers her none.
In conclusion, My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a dark and thought-provoking exploration of mental health, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels meaningless. It challenges us to confront our own relationships with our mental health and the ways in which we cope with our pain. It is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is My Year of Rest and Relaxation about?
'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh is a darkly comedic novel that follows a young woman's attempt to escape the world by embarking on a year-long hibernation. Set in New York City in the year 2000, the book delves into themes of alienation, self-destructive behavior, and the pursuit of inner peace. With sharp wit and a unique narrative voice, Moshfegh challenges societal expectations and offers a thought-provoking exploration of mental health and the quest for happiness.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation Review
My Year of Rest and Relaxation (2018) by Ottessa Moshfegh is a captivating novel that explores the depths of human apathy and the quest for self-discovery. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- The protagonist's unconventional approach to life provides a fresh perspective on societal norms and the pursuit of happiness.
- Moshfegh's intriguing character development and immersive storytelling keep readers engaged, ensuring that the book is far from dull.
- Through a unique blend of dark humor and introspection, the novel challenges our notions of identity and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of existence.
Who should read My Year of Rest and Relaxation?
- Readers who enjoy dark humor and irreverent narratives
- Individuals looking for a thought-provoking exploration of modern-day alienation and disconnection
- Those interested in complex and flawed characters who challenge societal norms
Categories with My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Book summaries like My Year of Rest and Relaxation
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
My Year of Rest and Relaxation FAQs
What is the main message of My Year of Rest and Relaxation?
The main message of My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a darkly humorous exploration of identity, isolation, and the pursuit of happiness.
How long does it take to read My Year of Rest and Relaxation?
The reading time for My Year of Rest and Relaxation varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is My Year of Rest and Relaxation a good book? Is it worth reading?
My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a thought-provoking and captivating read. It delves into complex themes of self-discovery and leaves a lasting impression.
Who is the author of My Year of Rest and Relaxation?
The author of My Year of Rest and Relaxation is Ottessa Moshfegh.
What to read after My Year of Rest and Relaxation?
If you're wondering what to read next after My Year of Rest and Relaxation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright