The Empusium: A Health Resort Horror Story By Olga Tokarczuk

In her latest novel, Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk weaves a captivating and darkly humorous mystery set in September 1913. The story follows Mieczysaw, a tuberculosis-stricken student, as he arrives at a health resort in what is now western Poland, seeking solace among its eclectic residents. Each evening, they gather in the dining room to indulge in the region’s hallucinogenic liqueur, engaging in lively discussions about pressing issues: the looming threat of war, the existence of devils, and the deeply entrenched misogyny that permeates their lives.

As the guests obsess over money, status, and the inferiority of women, unsettling occurrences begin to unfold in the guesthouse and its surroundings. Mieczysaw finds himself drawn into a web of sinister forces that seem to be infiltrating their seemingly mundane existence. Unbeknownst to him, these forces have already set their sights on a new target.

Drawing on elements of horror, comedy, folklore, and feminist critique, Tokarczuk’s storytelling invites readers to reflect on the societal norms of the time while offering a thrilling narrative filled with suspense. Known for her acclaimed works, including Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, Tokarczuk continues to solidify her status as one of the most significant writers of her generation. Translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, this novel promises to engage and challenge readers, blending rich character exploration with sharp social commentary.