Summary
Diary of an Oxygen Thief, published anonymously in 2006, is a provocative and controversial novel that quickly gained cult status. Set against the backdrop of London and New York, the book offers a raw and unflinching account of emotional manipulation, addiction, and redemption. Originally self-published, the novel became a surprise bestseller, particularly in the independent art and literature scene in Brooklyn. Its popularity grew steadily over a decade, eventually landing it on Amazon and iTunes' top 20 bestseller lists in 2016, demonstrating the power of word-of-mouth marketing in the digital age. The book's honest portrayal of human relationships and its exploration of themes such as self-loathing and cultural dissonance have resonated with readers worldwide, sparking discussions about the nature of love, addiction, and personal growth.
Plot
Diary of an Oxygen Thief opens in London with the unnamed narrator, an Irish advertising executive, describing his past behavior of emotionally abusing women for his own pleasure. He recounts how he would deliberately seduce women only to cruelly break their hearts, deriving satisfaction from their pain. As the story progresses, the narrator begins attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and achieves sobriety. This leads him to reflect on his past relationships with a degree of remorse, recognizing the harm he has caused. Seeking a fresh start, he accepts a job offer in the United States.
In America, the narrator faces multiple challenges. Externally, he grapples with the peculiarities of corporate culture and the shock of transitioning from a lower to upper-middle-class lifestyle. Internally, he struggles with paranoia, addiction, and the emotional baggage from his past.
The novel takes a turn when the protagonist meets a young, aspiring photographer in New York City. Despite his history of emotional manipulation, he finds himself genuinely falling in love with her. This relationship becomes a central focus of the latter part of the story, potentially offering the narrator a chance at redemption or further complicating his journey of self-discovery.
Themes
Emotional manipulation and abuse
Addiction and recovery
Self-loathing and low self-esteem
Cultural displacement and adjustment
Corporate America and its harmful culture
Toxic relationships and their consequences
Redemption and personal growth
Setting
Diary of an Oxygen Thief is set primarily in the early 2000s, spanning locations in Europe and the United States. The story begins in London, where the Irish protagonist works as an advertising executive, providing a glimpse into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of corporate marketing in the British capital.
As the narrative progresses, the setting shifts to the United States, specifically New York City. The bustling metropolis serves as a backdrop for the narrator's experiences with culture shock and his observations of American corporate culture. The city's vibrant art scene, particularly in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, plays a significant role in the story's atmosphere and the protagonist's encounters.
Throughout the novel, the settings reflect the protagonist's internal journey, from the gritty pubs of London where he indulges in his alcoholism, to the sterile conference rooms of New York where he grapples with sobriety and self-reflection. The contrast between these environments underscores the narrator's struggle with addiction, relationships, and his search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Characters
The Narrator: An Irish advertising executive and recovering alcoholic. He takes pleasure in emotionally abusing women before sobering up and moving to America. The narrator grapples with self-loathing, addiction, and culture shock as he navigates his new life and a new relationship. His journey of self-discovery and redemption forms the core of the story.
The Photographer: A young, aspiring photographer in New York City who becomes romantically involved with the narrator. She represents both a chance at love and a potential threat to the narrator's emotional stability. Her ambition and youth contrast with the narrator's jaded perspective.
AA Members: The various individuals the narrator encounters at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. They serve as a support system and mirror for the narrator's own struggles with addiction and recovery.
Past Girlfriends: The women the narrator emotionally abused during his alcoholic phase in London. They are mostly unnamed but play a crucial role in illustrating the narrator's past behavior and subsequent guilt.
Quick facts
Diary of an Oxygen Thief was originally self-published anonymously in the Netherlands in 2006.
The novel gained popularity through word-of-mouth and became an unexpected bestseller in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood.
Diary of an Oxygen Thief is written in a confessional style, purporting to be the memoirs of an Irish advertising executive.
The narrator describes himself as an “oxygen thief” due to his low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness.
Diary of an Oxygen Thief has drawn comparisons to works like The Catcher in the Rye and Lolita, blending elements from both.
The novel explores themes of addiction, emotional abuse, and the struggles of navigating corporate America as an outsider.
The novel's success led to a sequel titled Chameleon in a Candy Store.
By 2016, a decade after its initial publication, Diary of an Oxygen Thief appeared on both Amazon and iTunes top 20 bestseller lists.
The author's identity remains unknown, adding to the mystique surrounding the book.
The novel's raw and honest portrayal of relationships and personal struggles has contributed to its cult following.
About the Author
The author of Diary of an Oxygen Thief has chosen to remain anonymous, a decision that adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the work. By withholding their identity, the writer invites readers to focus solely on the content and message of the book, rather than on the persona behind it.
Anonymity in literature has a long and storied history. Many authors throughout the ages have chosen to publish their works without attribution for various reasons, including political safety, personal privacy, or artistic intent. In the case of Diary of an Oxygen Thief, the choice of anonymity aligns with the raw and confessional nature of the narrative.
