The Theme of 'Diary of an Oxygen Thief'

In that time, I've acquired three different copies of this book, but I'm not ashamed to admit that my initial motivation for buying it was to finally get around to reading The Fatal Shore. However, despite its lengthy 600-plus pages, I never managed to make significant progress through the book. As a result, it's taken me a while to get around to reading 'Diary of an Oxygen Thief'.

Once I finally started reading it, I found myself drawn into the realistic and relatable story of the protagonist, who recounts his experiences in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth in time to pick up dropped threads. This narrative style contributes to the book's impact, making it feel like you're listening to a friend's tale of woe over drinks at a New York bar.

However, as the story progresses, the reader is trapped inside the mind of a paranoid and self-pitying individual. The lack of logic and shape in the narrative can be jarring, and the wrongs done to the protagonist feel disproportionate. But if you choose to read 'Diary of an Oxygen Thief' as an unfiltered account of real events, the feverish tone of the narrative makes more sense.

The question remains whether this first-person account is autobiographical or not. Since the author initially self-published the book in 2006, it has gained a cult following, with many readers testifying to its powerful effect. While it may be impossible to know the extent to which the author's experiences informed the writing of this novel, there's a strong argument for saying that it doesn't matter.

Ultimately, 'Diary of an Oxygen Thief' is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of trauma, relationships, and the human condition. Despite its unorthodox narrative structure, it has captured the hearts of many readers, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature.

Theme of diary of an oxygen thief