TL;DR
Eileen Dunlop, a disturbed young woman, becomes entangled in a shocking crime during the Christmas season, leading to her ultimate escape from a dreary existence.
What is Eileen about
Eileen, a novel by Ottessa Moshfegh, tells the story of Eileen Dunlop, a disaffected young woman working as a secretary at a juvenile correctional facility in 1960s New England. Caught between caring for her abusive, alcoholic father and her dreary job, Eileen dreams of escape. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets the charismatic Rebecca Saint John, leading to a friendship that pulls Eileen into a shocking crime. This novel, with its dark humor and Hitchcockian twists, explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and transformation.
Eileen 5 Key Takeaways
Introduction of Eileen Dunlop
Eileen is a 24-year-old woman working at a juvenile correctional facility and caring for her alcoholic father. She is filled with resentment and self-loathing, dreaming of escaping her bleak life.
Meeting Rebecca Saint John
Rebecca Saint John, a bright and charismatic new counselor at the correctional facility, arrives and quickly forms a friendship with Eileen, who becomes enchanted by Rebecca's charm and beauty.
Development of their relationship
Eileen's fascination with Rebecca grows, and she fantasizes about a deeper connection. Their friendship develops over a few days, culminating in a pivotal Christmas Eve meeting.
The twist
Rebecca lures Eileen to the Polk household, revealing a shocking crime and pulling Eileen into complicity. This twist shifts the narrative from a story of mundane despair to one of dark intrigue.
Eileen's transformation
The events with Rebecca serve as a catalyst for Eileen's ultimate escape from her life. The older Eileen reflects on these experiences, highlighting her transformation from a troubled young woman to someone who took drastic steps to change her fate.
Top Eileen Quotes
- 'So here we are. My name was Eileen Dunlop. Now you know me.'
- 'I think of it now as what it really was for all intents and purposes—a prison for boys.'
Who should read Eileen?
Eileen is ideal for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, dark humor, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Shirley Jackson and Vladimir Nabokov will appreciate Moshfegh's ability to blend suspense with deep character exploration.
Eileen Best Reviews
- 'Eileen is a remarkable novel, with its dark humor and chilling narrative. Ottessa Moshfegh has created a character who is both disturbing and relatable, making for an enthralling read.' - The New York Times
- 'Brilliant and unsettling, Eileen captivates with its Hitchcockian twists and turns. Moshfegh's writing is sharp and mesmerizing, a true modern classic.' - The Guardian
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Eileen FAQs
What is the story of the book Eileen?
Eileen follows the life of Eileen Dunlop, a 24-year-old woman living in 1960s New England. She works at a juvenile correctional facility and cares for her abusive father, dreaming of escape. Her life changes dramatically when she befriends the new counselor, Rebecca Saint John.
Is Eileen a sapphic book?
Yes, Eileen contains sapphic themes. The relationship between Eileen and Rebecca develops into a close friendship with underlying romantic subtext, culminating in a significant event on Christmas Eve.
What's the twist in Eileen?
The twist in Eileen occurs when Rebecca lures Eileen to a home, revealing it to be the site of a crime. This unexpected turn pulls Eileen into a shocking and transformative situation.