A review by whatsmomreading
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The fiefdom of Lapvona is home to a vast array of characters, like Mareck who was born physically disabled, Ina the blind medicine woman who survived one of many plagues, Jude the lamb herder & father to Mareck, and Villiam the lord who watches over Lapvona and reaps the benefits of his people’s work. These character’s lives intertwine over a year in violent, horrific and vile ways as the fiefdom struggles through drought, starvation and bandit attacks. 

If you are at all familiar with Moshfegh’s propensity for the disgusting and repulsive aspects of the human condition, then you can only imagine how grossly accurate and realistic her writing of medieval times can be, which is why I have I hard time recommending this novel. 

At the same time, this is why it is one of my favorites. 

I find something so satisfying in her ability to shock and repulse, like ‘look at us, women can be disgusting too, even good at it and have heart as well’ because after you look past the talk of vomit, cannibalism, excrement and incest (I warned you it was bad) there are characters who are searching out their purpose in the world and questioning their way of life. Is life better served worshipping and working for God? For their lord who collects taxes as many starve and struggle? Does suffering in the hopes of heaven make one virtuous or vain? Moshfegh leaves you to contemplate those questions.