The Empusium, A Health Resort Horror Story By Olga Tokarczuk

In The Lost Soul, Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk weaves a riveting and humorous mystery set against the backdrop of a health resort in September 1913, now part of western Poland. Mieczysaw, a tuberculosis-stricken student, arrives at the resort, hoping to recover. Each day, the residents gather in the dining room, where they indulge in a hallucinogenic local liqueur and engage in debates about pressing societal issues: the looming threat of war, the existence of devils, and the enduring question of women’s inferiority.

As the group descends deeper into obsession over money and status, unsettling occurrences begin to unfold around the guesthouse. Mieczysaw senses that sinister forces are at play, yet he remains unaware that he has already been marked by these unsettling influences. The narrative takes a sharp turn as he grapples with the eerie atmosphere and the malevolent presence that seems to be infiltrating their lives.

Blending elements of horror, comedy, folklore, and feminist critique, Tokarczuk’s storytelling is both profound and accessible, much like her acclaimed novel Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. With her trademark wit and keen insight, she examines misogyny and human nature, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, this latest work adds to Tokarczuk’s esteemed legacy, showcasing her ability to craft narratives that resonate across cultures and generations, illuminating the darker aspects of society with both humor and depth. 📚❤️