Diary of an Oxygen Thief – Anonymous

The Last Word Review

Some may say that is it a good job that Diary of an Oxygen Thief was written by an Anonymous writer because who would dare put their name to this book. Personally I think this is a brutal but a frank and honest account. This is the book the world seems to have been talking about for some time and the views differ from one extreme to another. It was originally a self-published novel that sold over 14,000 copies in three weeks. It clearly found a niche.

This is a book that exudes raw open honesty which comes from a history of abuse in its purest form, mix this with neglect. People who are damaged in this way can and more often than not damage others. The opening line in this book “I liked hurting girls” that is one hell of a hook to catch the reader’s attention. This is not a book that many will enjoy, some will find this difficult to read and I can understand that.

The story is of Holden Caulfield Irishman travelling parts of America from London, and this is his story. He is an alcoholic and what’s more he is deeply prejudiced against women. He is in a relationship with Lolita but clearly he has had enough of Lolita now and it is time to move on to the next girl. This is openly raw at times but laced with incredible humour and wit. When we are hurt sometimes we hurt the nearest person to us and for Caulfield he finds the women in his life face the brunt of his hurt. ‘First he steals the oxygen from you, then spits it right back in your face’

We have all been hurt at some point in our lives and this story sometimes is a bit too close to the truth at times that for some will be difficult reading. “Hurt people hurt people” there is not getting away from it. At 151 pages this will be consumed in one sitting and this really is a deeply emotional read at times.

The books raw open honesty is like riding a roller-coaster with not seat belts to hold you in at times you will want to throw yourself out of the book and get angry with the writer. Its honesty cause many to question the book. I don’t think I have ever read a book like this before and may never again read another. Many will love the book and some will never want to see its cover again. Love it or hate it Diary of an Oxygen Thief is here and it will divide opinion and it is controversial of that there is no doubt. Read it for yourself and judge for yourself.

Thank you to Poppy Stimpson for the advanced review copy.

Diary of an Oxygen Thief by Anonymous is published by Corsair and is available through Waterstones and all good bookshops.