Set in 1913 Poland, The Empusium follows Mieczyslaw Wojnicz, a student suffering from tuberculosis who travels to a men’s healthcare resort that promises a natural treatment. The sickly patients spend their time drinking liquor, discussing the state of the world, and bonding over their misogynistic views of women. Before long, disturbing things begin happening and the men get the creeping sense that something or someone is out to get them.

This subversive take on Thomas Mann’s classic novel The Magic Mountain was an absolute delight. Tokarczuk’s sardonic wit is on full display as she rages against the misogyny in canonical works and gives a voice to the women who’ve been silenced. The horror is subtle yet creepy and the tension slowly builds up to a shocking conclusion. This one is out today, just in time for spooky season! Thank you so much @riverheadbooks for my #gifted copy.