Lapvona

Sukkubus by way of A24, with a subtle hint of Oedipus Rex. Nowhere nearly as disgusting as many seem to have agreed upon, but then again I just have such a high tolerance that even French New Extreme cinema won't get me to flinch. Now sure there are moments where I can see why the less desensitised could shiver—grape suppository, cannibalism, elderly nursing, etc.—on a whole it's all what one would expect of a medieval setting. I've quickly become a huge fan of Mosfegh, but by the time I got to the underwhelming third act of Lapvona, I began ti worry I'll never reach the same enamored high of My Year of Rest and Relaxation, again.

FANCAST:

Marek: Barry Keoghan
Jude: Joel Edgerton
Agatha: Jodie Comer
Young Ina: Anya Taylor-Joy
Old Ina: Tilda Swinton / Hannah Waddingham
Villiam: Tom Hardy
Jacob: TimmyC
Lisbet: Thomasin McKenzie / Olivia Cooke
Father Barnabus: Sir Ben Kingsley

A most interesting read which will reverse your notions of what interesting is, and why. A A Read, (yes, capital R) to set on its heels ideas of what excellent writing is. Ottessa consistently surprises throughout the book with writing delights amidst subject matter which one would normally not associate with such creative excellence, all the while gently unfolding its peculiar, immersing, and absorbing charm, not being shovelled upon unsuspecting good intent, as, sadly, much creative writing is wont to do. Not here, this book a marvel of excellent unfolding and development.
My professional editor hat. not once throughout the entire work, forced unwantedly onto and over my interested brow. (I remember not ONE unwanted and superfluous, redundant, ‘that')

I will compliment this excellent novel in an unusual way: I read this novel, and kept reading, never had to persist, despite the subject matter being what I assiduously avoid in my reading. That says more than I can say.
I will sum up only by saying: Well done Ottessa, well Done! This book a superlative triumph of the unexpected!