51 pages • 1 hour read
Diary of an Oxygen Thief
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Diary of an Oxygen Thief by Anonymous follows an unnamed Irish advertising executive in London who recounts his destructive relationships with women, whom he subjects to psychological trauma for amusement. After spiraling into alcoholism, he enters AA, finds stability but becomes disillusioned, and meets Aisling, who ultimately enacts his karmic retribution. The narrator's retrospective account reflects his narcissism and paranoia, complicating the narrative's reliability. The novel includes themes of psychological abuse, alcoholism, and violence.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
70,736 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Diary of an Oxygen Thief by Anonymous has polarized readers. Positive reviews commend its raw, honest exploration of psychological themes and its unfiltered portrayal of a flawed protagonist. Critics, however, decry its often disturbing content and the lack of character development. Its confessional style captivates some but alienates others, resulting in a divisive reception.
Who Should Read Diary of an Oxygen Thief?
Readers who enjoyed Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or Choke by Chuck Palahniuk will appreciate Diary of an Oxygen Thief. The book appeals to those drawn to raw, confessional narratives exploring themes of pain, vengeance, and the complexities of human relationships. Ideal for readers who prefer honest, unflinching prose.
70,736 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
AISLING MCCARTHY
AISLING MCCARTHY
The narrator's love interest and antagonist, a Dublin native working as a photographer’s assistant in New York. She is depicted as an intelligent, cultured woman who becomes intricately linked to the narrator's self-perception.
PEN (PENELOPE ARLINGTON)
PEN (PENELOPE ARLINGTON)
The narrator's longest relationship, depicted as kind and forgiving. She ultimately distances herself from the narrator due to his self-centeredness and destructive behaviors.
THE NARRATOR’S MOTHER
THE NARRATOR’S MOTHER
A background figure in the narrator’s life, largely undefined except in relation to him. She is associated with the narrator’s perception of neglect and formative childhood experiences.
THE NARRATOR’S FATHER
THE NARRATOR’S FATHER
Once a source of affection for the narrator, his relationship with his son becomes strained by a hurtful exchange. The father’s role is complex, associated with both care and emotional turmoil in the narrator's memories.
160
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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