Description
Book Synopsis'Razor-sharp’ Zadie Smith
An electrifying, prizewinning short story collection from the Booker-shortlisted author of Eileen and My Year of Rest and Relaxation.
There’s something eerily unsettling about Ottessa Moshfegh’s stories, something almost dangerous while also being delightful – and often even weirdly hilarious. Her characters are all unsteady on their feet; all yearning for connection and betterment, in very different ways, but each of them seems destined to be tripped up by their own baser impulses.
The flesh is weak; the timber is crooked; people are cruel to each other, and stupid, and hurtful, but beauty comes from strange sources, and the dark energy surging through these stories is oddly and powerfully invigorating.
One of the most gifted and exciting young writers in America, she shows us uncomfortable things, and makes us look at them forensically – until we find, suddenly, that we are really looking at ourselves.
‘Moshfegh’s writing is cinematic – vivid, immediate’ TLS
Trade ReviewRazor-sharp short stories. * Zadie Smith *
Moshfegh is consistently as sparky and gripping as she is inventive…
She could become one of the most outstanding US writers of her generation. -- Peter Carty * i *
The characters in this collection are an unlovely bunch but make for
an irresistible read… She writes terrific, attention-grabbing openings, and impactful last lines that don’t strain for a lapidary effect.
Her damaged-girl deadpan snark is second to none, but she inhabits other character types with ease. -- Christopher Taylor * Financial Times *
She can really write and has a pitch-black sense of humour. -- Phil Baker * Sunday Times *
Moshfegh’s writing is cinematic – vivid, immediate. -- Gwendoline Riley * Times Literary Supplement *
