In Episode 94 of the Good Scribes Only Podcast, hosts Daniel Breyer and Jeremy Streich take a deep dive into Ottessa Moshfegh’s Eileen, a darkly witty psychological thriller set in the 1960s. Through lively banter, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful analysis, the hosts dissect Eileen’s themes of identity, the masks people wear, and the freedom found in self-liberation.
Here, we uncover the key ideas discussed in the podcast and why Eileen continues to captivate readers with its unsettling, Hitchcockian narrative.
Set in the fictional town of X-ville, Massachusetts, Eileen follows the life of its namesake character, a 24-year-old woman stuck in a bleak existence. She works as a secretary at a boys’ juvenile correctional facility and cares for her alcoholic father, all while harboring dark thoughts about her surroundings and herself.
Eileen’s chance meeting with the charming and enigmatic Rebecca Saint John sets off a chain of events that lead to an explosive, life-altering climax. The novel is both a character study and a gripping psychological thriller.
A central motif in Eileen is the idea of masks—how individuals present themselves versus who they truly are.
The podcast dives into this theme with humor and insight. Daniel reflects:
“As humans, we’re quick to categorize people. We meet someone for 30 seconds, and our brain says, ‘Oh, that person is X.’ But beneath every mask lies a complicated inner world.”
Eileen herself wears several masks: the dutiful daughter, the timid employee, and the brooding narrator. Rebecca, on the other hand, is a master manipulator, using her charm to conceal darker intentions.
Eileen’s transformation is messy and unsettling, but it represents her breaking free from societal expectations and her own insecurities.
Jeremy observes:
“Eileen’s journey isn’t about redemption—it’s about escape. She doesn’t find peace, but she does find freedom, and that’s powerful in its own right.”
The novel also examines power dynamics, particularly through Rebecca’s interactions with Eileen. Rebecca’s allure and confidence captivate Eileen, but their relationship reveals a darker side of trust and control.
The hosts compare this to the masks worn in professional environments, such as startups or venture capital, where people project authority or competence that may not always align with reality.
Ottessa Moshfegh’s unflinching prose and dark humor create a sense of discomfort that keeps readers hooked. Her willingness to explore the grotesque and taboo sets her apart as a writer.
Daniel compares her style to Hitchcock’s films, noting:
“Moshfegh doesn’t just tell a story—she immerses you in it, making you squirm in the best way possible.”
The podcast also highlights similarities between Eileen and Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation, both of which feature protagonists yearning to escape their oppressive lives.
More than just a thriller, Eileen forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the masks they wear. It’s a raw, unfiltered exploration of identity and liberation, making it as relevant today as it was when it debuted in 2015.
Jeremy concludes:
“Moshfegh invites us to strip away the masks, not just of her characters, but of ourselves.”
For more insights and candid discussion about Eileen, tune in to Episode 94 of the Good Scribes Only Podcast. Daniel and Jeremy explore the novel’s themes, characters, and connections to modern life.
