Fiction, 2022
I have this bad habit of buying books immediately as they release and then waiting for months (if not years, to read them). This is awful for three reasons: 1) By the time I read it, the “discourse” has moved beyond, 2) It signifies a poor attention span or great gluttony, and 3) My bank account is a dwindling thing. I bought Lapvona as soon as it was released (full price, hardcover, can you see my concern?), but only got around to reading it two weeks ago when I was on vacation, nestled in the mountains with the same setting of Lapvona but without the unjustified brutality.
In a medieval fiefdom somewhere in Eastern Europe, people whip themselves every week, and flesh rules, either in its excess, or its lack. This is Lapvona, the little village where such characters abound. The clouds are rolling, wildflowers are sprouting, and people do evil things. We follow a cast of characters but primarily move through Marek’s life. He’s the village idiot, creeps out his neighbours, and suffers from deformities caused by his mother’s attempts at abortion. He’s also Jude’s son, the village’s sheep herder, who cares more about his babes than he does about the people surrounding him. Marek is desperate for Jude’s love and affection, and the only moments of solidarity they experience are through brutally beating themselves in an effort to cleanse their bodies of sin for God.
Other characters include Villiam, the town lord who lives in a castle he never leaves, who spends his days in an excess of entertainment, often forcing servants to start dancing as soon as he wakes because what could be worse than boredom? At one point, he inserts a grape into Marek’s anus, and makes one of his staff eat it. For anyone who just did the virtual equivalent of a double-take, this is Moshfegh at her cruellest and most indulgent, which is good for some readers and a warning sign for others.
Even though I could have bought Lapvona now and saved some money, I was waiting for the perfect moment to read it. And in a house that overlooked the rolling fields and apple trees, it’s hard to think I didn’t make the right choice. There was this little house I could see from the balcony (where the bulk of the novel was read) that I like to believe houses Marek, now old and still alone, but at least safe from the others--where others are safe from him too.
Song - Savior Complex (mostly because I think this as a companion is funny, because no one is saved, and no attempts are even made)
Film - Valerie and Her Week of Wonders
P.S. I have just seen the hardcover price of Lapvona on Amazon (gag), and it is obscene. I did not pay that much, and if you really want the hardback, check your local bookstores stock?
Wonderful read. I must tell you about that little house in view from the balcony, and it's inhabitants.