"My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh is a darkly humorous and satirical novel about a young woman's attempt to numb herself through a yearlong period of self-induced sedation. If you enjoyed this book, here are some recommendations for similar reads:
1. "Eileen" by Ottessa Moshfegh – Another novel by the same author, "Eileen" follows a young woman working in a juvenile detention center who becomes entangled in a dark and twisted plot.
2. "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang – This novel follows a woman who decides to stop eating meat after a series of disturbing dreams, leading to a spiral of self-destruction and transformation.
3. "Dept. of Speculation" by Jenny Offill – This novel follows a woman as she navigates marriage, motherhood, and the complexities of modern life, exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.
4. "Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata – This novel follows a woman who finds solace and purpose in her job at a convenience store, despite societal pressures to conform to traditional norms.
5. "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Shirley Jackson – This novel follows a young woman who becomes increasingly isolated and detached from reality as she embarks on a yearlong experiment in self-imposed solitude.
These books all explore themes of alienation, self-destruction, and societal expectations, offering readers a darkly humorous and thought-provoking look at the human condition.