These cynical tales of toxic masculinity probably won’t appeal to anyone who found Ottessa Moshfegh’s Booker-shortlisted debut Eileen boring or repulsive, and might even give her admirers pause. With settings from China to Hollywood (where Moshfegh lives), they attack “swipe-left” misogyny while at the same time exploiting its gamey tang. “She wasn’t as fat as other women I’ve seen … but I hadn’t found her attractive for years,” says a widower of his wife. The theme of male entitlement is occasionally played for laughs - someone bankrupts himself buying used furniture in the belief it will help him seduce a vintage upcycler - but more often it’s just creepy: in Mr Wu, a violent fantasist plots how to snare the woman he’s eyeing from afar. Best in small doses, the collection as a whole leaves you wondering if Moshfegh’s bleak vision is already at risk of congealing into an affectation.
• Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh is published by Jonathan Cape (£16.99). To order a copy for £13.50 go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. Phone orders min p&p of £1.99
