Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well! This is my second review of a book by Ottessa Moshfegh. You can check out my review of My Year of Rest and Relaxation. I am still on my “weird girl literature” kick and have at least two more “weird” books to review. I’m glad you are all still interested in this blog and I am forever grateful to all of you who read my reviews. Let’s talk about Lapvona.

Content Warning: Disturbing Imagery, Graphic Death, Explicit Sexual Content, Depictions of Domestic Abuse, Depictions of Sexual Abuse, Depictions of Self-Harm, Some Harsh Language, Discussions and Depictions of Misogyny, Discussions and Depictions of Ableism

Marek, the son of the village shepherd, has been ostracized from the rest of the Lapvona due to his appearance. His father, Jude, abuses him and blames him for his mother’s death. He seeks solace in nature and God. The only other person he has a personal connection to is Ina, the blind medicine woman. Ina possesses a mysterious ability to connect with nature in a way that frightens Marek, but he has no other source of comfort. Not only is Marek’s faith being tested, but so is the village of Lapvona after a drought befalls the people. During this time, a freak accident brings Marek into the home of the eccentric and calculated lord governor. Marek finds himself plunged into a world that he doesn’t belong in and must change for better or worst to survive.

This book was bleak and visceral in a way that only Ottessa Moshfegh could write it. Lapvona takes an unflinching look at flawed characters who are just trying to survive by any means necessary, even if it means taking drastic measures. There were a few times while reading this book when I raised my eyebrows and thought “Oh no what the hell is this?” I did, however, keep reading because the behavior of the characters, while disgusting, is still undeniably and graphically human. I think that is the element of Moshfegh’s book that keeps drawing me back in. I appreciate the commentary and themes of the novel as none of this is unnecessarily gratuitous. I also like the fact that the novel is meant to be an allegory. It certainly got me thinking, that’s for sure. While Lapvona will not appeal to everyone, it will appeal to those whose morbid curiosity always gets the better of them.