Eileen is the story of a young woman who is trying to change her life, her destiny, and her future. The summary alone tells the reader that the book will be inspirational and traditional, much like many of the other “coming-of-age” novels in the market. Yet, as the reader dives into the story, they will realize that the plot is much darker and more twisted than the premise reveals. Hidden secrets blend in with death and deception in Ottessa Moshfegh's debut novel.
Eileen follows the story of the titular character, who is 24 years old during the events of the novel. The plot is set in the 1960s, during the coldest winter in Massachusetts. Eileen is trying to fight for her freedom and become her own person in the face of the large obstacles created by her circumstances.
During the time Eileen lives, women are not readily allowed autonomy. The reader might notice how male characters choose to talk to Eileen’s father instead of directly to her, even though the decision they are discussing will affect Eileen alone. She is treated as a child, and she doesn’t get to choose her own future, even as a grown woman. Ultimately, Eileen takes drastic measures in order to take hold of her future, claiming it as her own no matter the cost.
Eileen also approaches the theme of female empowerment. At the beginning of the book, Eileen is a shrunken girl, constantly abused by her alcoholic father. She lives in a dream world, daydreaming stories of courageous living fantastical lives, though she would be too scared to follow through with any of them herself. At the end of the book, everything changes due to the one strong decision Eileen takes that changes her life.
Summed up, Eileen is a testimony of female strength written as an epic and thrilling story about a young girl taking matters into her own hands.
