Reviews

McGlue by Ottessa Moshfegh

macmac_mac's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

capote65's review

challenging dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Moshfegh likes to explore antiheroes but McGlue definitely tests the limits of what defines the term “protagonist.” As always, she is able to craft rich and compelling characters that feel alive and multi-dimensional, even if those dimensions are unpleasant. While, I think there’s some unevenness with the pacing of the story, I loved the use of unreliable narration in this style and unfolding McGlue’s history in a very unique and interesting way. 

cosmito's review

dark mysterious

3.0

skygge's review

sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No

4.5

readsbychi's review

drunk gae dood

lit_laugh_luv's review against another edition

3.0

McGlue was the last of Moshfegh's work I had on my TBR and I was apprehensive given its generally poor reception and the fact it was her first published writing. I ended up enjoying this more than I expected - it is definitely most similar to Lapvona thematically, and her disturbing and grotesque atmosphere is once again at the forefront here.

The non-linear style works quite well in this case given our protagonist is drunk (or suffering from withdrawals) for the majority of the book in combination with a traumatic brain injury. Despite being generally vile and irritable, McGlue is layered enough that you feel some sympathy towards him regardless. As always Moshfegh excels in her character development, and with a higher page count I could totally see McGlue being one of her stronger exemplars.

Stylistically you can tell the writing is a bit weaker here and that Moshfegh is finding her footing, but I enjoyed this for what it was. The limited setting and ancillary characters detracted from my enjoyment of this a bit, but the ending was interesting enough that I would potentially enjoy this more after a re-read with further context to some of the scenes.

andotherworlds's review

3.0

3 // ottessa always hits

natashavhugen's review

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

god. i will never tire of Moshfegh’s prose. read this little novel cover to cover on the plane today, though i got it 6 years ago when i went to a signing. (the inscription she gave me reads “enjoy this book with a strong drink.”) at no point in the novel did i have a firm grasp on the reality of it, which is good, because neither does the narrator. i never knew what to believe and i loved it. and her command!! of!! language!! incredible. this is the type of book that i would call a great beach read, but, due to all the murder and undeniable moral ambiguity of the narrator, others might find unsettling. if you like tales of the high seas and the northeastern united states in the 1850s, unreliable narrators, and rum, this book may be for you. 

brennacummings's review

4.0

I’m confused . . . but in a good way?

gdswitchblade's review

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0