Homesick for Another World by

Ottessa Moshfegh's 'Homesick for Another World' is a collection of short stories that delves into the complexities of human behavior, exposing the self-deception and baser impulses that often trip people up. The stories are marked by a unique balance of the unsettling and the delightful, with a dark energy that is both invigorating and moving. Moshfegh's characters are all yearning for connection and betterment, yet their own flaws and the cruelty of others often lead them astray. The author's mastery of language and tone sets her apart, creating a world that is both forensically examined and deeply personal. The collection has been compared to the works of Flannery O'Connor and Shirley Jackson, but Moshfegh's voice is distinctly her own. She infuses the grotesque and outrageous with tenderness and compassion, making the uncomfortable things we see in her stories a reflection of ourselves. The emotional balance she achieves is what makes these stories so moving, as they reveal the limitless range of self-deception that human beings can employ.

Reviews

Reddit - r/books · Anonymous User · 2020-04-10

enjoyable 4.75

The collection is highly recommended for its diverse and seemingly unredeemable characters. The stories are enjoyed for their unique and enjoyable narratives.

An anonymous user on Reddit's r/books highly recommends Ottessa Moshfegh's collection, praising the diverse and seemingly unredeemable characters. They find the stories to be unique and enjoyable, with a raw and honest portrayal of human experiences. The user appreciates the way Moshfegh delves into the darker aspects of life, making the stories both shocking and compelling. The collection is seen as a must-read for those who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally resonant literature.

Quick quotes

If you've not read this, I HIGHLY recommend it!

It's a collection of short stories of different people and their seemingly unredeemable lives.

The stories are incredibly enjoyable and prove how incredibly talented Moshfegh is.

Heavy Feather Review · Tyler Barton · 2017-04-05

captivating 4.50

The stories explore themes of love-as-obsession and contentment-in-depression with nuanced repetition. The collection is praised for its depth and emotional resonance.

Tyler Barton from Heavy Feather Review highlights the recurring themes of love-as-obsession and contentment-in-depression in Moshfegh's stories. They find the nuanced repetition of these themes to be a strength, creating a deep emotional resonance. The collection is seen as a cohesive and thought-provoking exploration of complex human emotions. Barton appreciates the way Moshfegh delves into the darker aspects of human nature, making the stories both disturbing and captivating.

Quick quotes

The stories circle repeated, nuanced themes such as love-as-obsession, contentment-in-depression, and the-freedom-of-loss.

There's something deeply resonant about the way Moshfegh explores these themes.

The collection is a cohesive and thought-provoking exploration of complex human emotions.

The Guardian · Adam Mars-Jones · 2017-01-20

provocative 4.00

The collection vividly explores themes of rot and decay with dark humor. The stories are described as unflinching and often unsettling.

Adam Mars-Jones from The Guardian delves into the gritty and often disturbing world of Ottessa Moshfegh's short stories. They appreciate the vivid exploration of themes like decay and desperation, finding the dark humor to be a standout element. However, they also note that the stories can be quite unsettling, with a raw and unflinching portrayal of human nature. The collection is seen as a bold and provocative read that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

Run-down holiday homes, rusting Hollywood pools, empty Malibu malls ... themes of rot and decay are vividly explored in this darkly comical collection.

Moshfegh's stories are unflinching and often unsettling, but there's a dark humor that makes them compelling.

The collection is a bold and provocative read that leaves a lasting impression.

Appears in Lists

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