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A review by luhos
The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have to start this review by saying that this book was nothing short of spectacular. On the surface, The Empusium follows a group of young men who, suffering from consumption, have moved to a mountain town in Poland with the intention of recovery. As they go about their lives and their recovery, eating dinner, drinking liquor, walking in the mountains; the story of each of their lives is slowly revealed through the conversations they have.
This book has so much nuance. The relationships of these men and the roles they play in their relationships; their opinions about the world, and particularly of women; their sickness, and treatment; and of course the ever-lingering horror. Dubbed A Health Resort Horror Story, the horror elements of this story are so insidious that you don’t pay them much attention until the end.
I don’t want to say too much, but what I will say is - read this book. After reading Drive Your Plow at the start of the month and now this, I’m cementing myself in Olga Tokarczuk fanboy territory. If Olga has no fans, then I am DEAD.
WHEN you read this, do yourself a favour, and make sure you read the author’s note for a jaw drop/mic drop moment. Olga’s mind 🤯
Thank you Text Publishing for sending me this ARC, I was so happy to be able to read it during women in translation month! The Empusium is out September 24.
This book has so much nuance. The relationships of these men and the roles they play in their relationships; their opinions about the world, and particularly of women; their sickness, and treatment; and of course the ever-lingering horror. Dubbed A Health Resort Horror Story, the horror elements of this story are so insidious that you don’t pay them much attention until the end.
I don’t want to say too much, but what I will say is - read this book. After reading Drive Your Plow at the start of the month and now this, I’m cementing myself in Olga Tokarczuk fanboy territory. If Olga has no fans, then I am DEAD.
WHEN you read this, do yourself a favour, and make sure you read the author’s note for a jaw drop/mic drop moment. Olga’s mind 🤯
Thank you Text Publishing for sending me this ARC, I was so happy to be able to read it during women in translation month! The Empusium is out September 24.