Discover Top 10 Books Like My Year of Rest and Relaxation

If you've read My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, you’ve probably been captivated by its dark humor, raw depiction of isolation, and complex character study. Many readers are left with the question: What to read next? If you're searching for books like My Year of Rest and Relaxation, you’re in the right place. Below, we explore novels that share similar themes, from exploring mental health to embracing flawed, unlikeable protagonists.

1. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar is a literary classic that mirrors the mental health struggles and deep introspection found in My Year of Rest and Relaxation. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, navigates through depression and identity crises while facing societal pressures. Plath’s writing is introspective, poignant, and captures the feelings of disconnection from the world. Much like Moshfegh’s protagonist, Esther is both self-aware and adrift.

Themes:

• Mental illness
• Identity
• Societal expectations

Plath's novel is both a haunting portrayal of depression and a critique of the societal norms that contribute to the protagonist’s downward spiral. Readers who appreciated Moshfegh’s unflinching look at mental health will find similar depths here, making it one of the My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

2. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

If you enjoyed My Year of Rest and Relaxation, why not dive into another of Moshfegh’s works? Eileen introduces us to a deeply flawed and unreliable narrator, a signature trait of Moshfegh’s writing. Eileen is trapped in her miserable life as a prison secretary, consumed by thoughts of escape. This novel is a psychological thriller with dark, uncomfortable themes, much like My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

Themes:

• Isolation
• Dark humor
• Self-destruction

The eerie atmosphere and Moshfegh’s sharp, unapologetic prose make Eileen an equally disturbing, yet captivating read.

3. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Convenience Store Woman is a sharp, satirical look at societal norms, much like My Year of Rest and Relaxation. Keiko, the protagonist, works at a convenience store and finds comfort in the routine and predictability of her life. Her detachment from societal expectations and desire to maintain her unconventional lifestyle parallels the apathetic narrator in Moshfegh’s novel.

Themes:

• Social alienation
• Routine vs. chaos
• Identity and purpose

Murata’s writing is quirky, and though the tone is less dark than My Year of Rest and Relaxation, the exploration of a woman’s resistance to societal pressures is strikingly similar. Fans looking for books similar to My Year of Rest and Relaxation will appreciate this one.

4. The Idiot by Elif Batuman

The Idiot follows Selin, a college freshman, as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and existential confusion. Though the book takes on a more lighthearted and intellectual tone, it shares a sense of disillusionment and confusion about life with My Year of Rest and Relaxation. 
The introspective nature of the protagonist and her awkward, meandering path through academia parallels Moshfegh’s exploration of a young woman’s mental and emotional detachment.

Themes:

• Disillusionment
• Intellectual isolation
• Young adulthood

If you're drawn to stories about existential confusion and the search for meaning in a disconnected world, The Idiot is an excellent choice.

5. The Vegetarian by Han Kang

The Vegetarian offers a chilling exploration of mental illness, societal expectations, and rebellion. The novel’s protagonist, Yeong-hye, rejects societal norms by refusing to eat meat, leading to a downward spiral of alienation and madness. The dark, introspective tone, and the protagonist’s gradual withdrawal from the world reflect similar themes found in My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

Themes:

• Rebellion against societal norms
• Mental illness
• Identity and transformation

Kang’s work is eerie, unsettling, and at times brutal—perfect for readers who enjoyed the psychological depth of Moshfegh’s writing.

6. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Published in 1899, The Awakening is a precursor to modern existential literature. Edna Pontellier, the protagonist, feels trapped by her roles as a wife and mother. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery and independence, but this comes at a great cost. 
The novel’s focus on a woman’s internal struggle with societal expectations and personal desires makes it a timeless companion to My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

Themes:

• Feminism and independence
• Identity crisis
• Societal pressures

The novel’s feminist undertones and exploration of self-destructive tendencies align with the themes in Moshfegh’s novel, though Chopin’s tone is more tragic than satirical.

7. Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill

Dept. of Speculation offers a fragmented, yet deeply emotional, look at marriage, motherhood, and a woman’s sense of self. Much like My Year of Rest and Relaxation, this novel dives into the protagonist’s inner world and exposes her vulnerabilities and struggles. Offill’s prose is poetic, and the story’s format lends itself to a raw, almost diary-like portrayal of the character’s mental state.

Themes:

• Marriage and motherhood
• Mental health
• Emotional isolation

Readers who enjoyed the emotional and psychological depth of Moshfegh’s novel will appreciate the intimate narrative style of Dept. of Speculation.

8. Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People explores complex relationships, mental health, and the search for identity, themes that are also central to My Year of Rest and Relaxation. 
The protagonists, Connell and Marianne, navigate the challenges of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. Though Rooney’s tone is more restrained, the emotional intensity and introspection echo Moshfegh’s exploration of flawed, deeply human characters.

Themes:

• Complex relationships
• Identity and self-worth
• Mental health

Rooney’s novel offers a more grounded, yet still poignant, look at the struggles of young adulthood and emotional intimacy.

9. The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride

The Lesser Bohemians is a challenging yet rewarding novel that delves into love, trauma, and the fragility of the human condition. 
Like My Year of Rest and Relaxation, McBride’s novel presents characters who are trying to find themselves amidst emotional chaos. The experimental narrative style mirrors the fragmented, disoriented state of the protagonist, offering readers a visceral and immersive experience.

Themes:

• Trauma and recovery
• Emotional vulnerability
• Identity exploration

The novel’s raw depiction of emotional turmoil will resonate with fans of books like My Year of Rest and Relaxation with a dark and introspective style.

10. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

A quintessential classic of disaffected youth, The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield as he wanders through New York, grappling with existential questions and feelings of isolation. Holden’s rebellious, detached attitude towards society mirrors the apathetic mindset of Moshfegh’s protagonist. Both novels feature characters who are lost, aimless, and seeking escape from the world around them.

Themes:

• Alienation
• Rebellion
• Search for identity

For readers who enjoy character-driven narratives focused on internal struggle and existential malaise, Salinger’s novel remains a perfect companion to My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

Conclusion: 10 Books Like My Year of Rest and Relaxation

These ten books like My Year of Rest and Relaxation offer unique, compelling explorations of the same themes such a captivating read. Whether you're drawn to novels that delve into mental health, critique societal norms, or explore the search for identity, this list has something for you. Each story presents its own perspective on existentialism and the human condition, making them perfect follow-ups for fans of Moshfegh’s thought-provoking work.