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TL;DR: In 1964, 24-year-old Eileen Dunlop lives in a small Massachusetts town with her alcoholic father and works at a juvenile detention center. She is lonely, repressed and disgusted by her own body. When a glamorous new colleague, Rebecca, arrives, Eileen becomes obsessed, leading to a shocking turn.
Table of Contents
Eileen at a Glance
| Author | Ottessa Moshfegh |
| First published | 2015 |
| Type | Literary noir |
| Best for | readers who like dark, unsettling character studies |
Eileen is a novel by Ottessa Moshfegh, first published in 2015. The novel is narrated by an older Eileen looking back. It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains disturbing content and dark themes.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Eileen's life
She lives with her father in a messy house.
Moorehead
She works at a youth prison.
Rebecca
Rebecca, the new counselor, fascinates Eileen.
Friendship
Eileen is drawn into Rebecca's world.
A request
Rebecca asks Eileen to help with something.
Escape
Eileen leaves town. The ending is stark.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| Eileen's life | She lives with her father in a messy house. |
| Moorehead | She works at a youth prison. |
| Rebecca | Rebecca, the new counselor, fascinates Eileen. |
| Friendship | Eileen is drawn into Rebecca's world. |
| A request | Rebecca asks Eileen to help with something. |
| Escape | Eileen leaves town. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Loneliness can distort.
- Obsession can be dangerous.
- Self-loathing shapes behavior.
- People can reinvent themselves.
- Memory is unreliable.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The narrator is unreliable.
- The tone is bleak.
- The book is a dark comedy.
Who Should Read Eileen?
Read it if you like dark fiction. It is disturbing.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Eileen:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh (2015)
- Type: Literary noir
- Best for: readers who like dark, unsettling character studies
- Main idea in one line: Loneliness can distort.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Eileen is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Eileen, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of Eileen on Amazon
What to Read Next
- My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh: Moshfegh's later novel
- We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson: a gothic novel
- The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith: a charming killer
Related: 15 Books Like Eileen You’ll Love · My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eileen a thriller?
It is a dark character study with suspense.
Who wrote it?
Ottessa Moshfegh.
What age is it for?
Adults.
Is Eileen worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like dark, unsettling character studies. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Eileen?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Eileen?
Eileen returns again and again to a few big ideas. Loneliness can distort. Obsession can be dangerous. Self-loathing shapes behavior. People can reinvent themselves. Memory is unreliable. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.