Lapvona by Ottessa MoshfeghMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lapvona, by Ottessa Moshfegh, 2022
Lapvona is a dystopic dramedy (can I call it that?) novel set in the Middle Ages--sprinkled with a bit of magic and a lot of gross absurdities. Lapvona is a minor fiefdom somewhere in medieval Europe ruled by a spoiled and petulant schemer Lord Villiam. Marek is a boy "disfigured by birth" and adopted by Lord Villiam to replace his recently murdered son Jacob (murdered by Marek). Ina is an ancient and somewhat magical blind woman who, for many years, acted as the town's supernatural nanny, suckling generations of Lapvonians.
What a delightfully dark novel, full of a devilish cast of characters and depraved predicaments. Once you've made peace with the absurdity, you will find the events and actions of the characters to be humorous. There are no redeemable or likable characters in this book, but they are all entertaining.
The author's voice/style has been described as laconic and flip, with an edge of cruelty, yet, it is entertaining. Lapvona may be grotesque and full of all kinds of human degradation, but it's amusing because it's played for laughs.
If you watch "The Great" on Hulu and enjoy it very much, then Lapvona is should fit right in your eyeholes. Huzzah! You will love it.
I rate this book 5 Huzzahs out 5 Huzzahs!
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