A review by sneakybeaky
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh

challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Really hard to review this. In theory I like the themes it grapples with; how those in power keep the oppressed blind to their oppression; how the oppressed blame their suffering and anger on a perceived 'other' rather than their oppressors; how the powerful are themselves blind to their own stupidity, incompetence and callousness. However, it feels like it's grip is loose. It dips in to these questions at a surface level and I'm left wondering what the point it's trying to make is, beyond the fact that these power structures exist. It's also an extremely cruel and gruesome book in tone, sometimes excessively so, and I'm not sure it serves the story particularly well. Overall I'm not entirely sure what to feel which perhaps speaks volumes. My rating might change on reflection.
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