acaciatree's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
When I initially came across this book. I was extremely excited to read it. Like with Ottessa's other novels, the synopsis is very intriguing. This one didn't live up to the hype I had for it. This was a story about a cruel medieval "God" worshiping people doing grotesque things paralleled with paragraphs of watching paint dry in between. (Why couldn't there be more grotesque excitement)
The plot mainly revolved around powerful men who did shitty things to those considered lesser than them because they could. By powerful, I don't just mean in riches. There is power that can come from delusion and the supernatural.
All the characters were selfish and or self-absorbed. There were constantly regurgitated scenes where the many perspectives would think about how much they hated/were disgusted by other characters.
There were also some uncomfortable scenes that were honestly probably the most emotion-provoking (disgusting) parts of the story. Good thing I don't like grapes. I think the concepts were there for an intriguing story. The execution was just a miss for me. I was bored 95% of the time. I hated all the prevalent citizens of Lapovona (which I think was the point). And I just struggled to finish the book.
fayegerontiti's review against another edition
Put me in a reading slump for more than a month.
marycathrynlord's review against another edition
2.0
To her credit I’m reminded of how much I didn’t enjoy the second half of this book very often
chxrles_'s review
5.0
Otessa Moshfegh is at her best with Lapvona. Her usual themes of greed, violence and various other macabre brutality are on full display in the little medieval town of Lapvona. Her cast of characters feel very well-developed and unique, each one having motives and personalities that are expanded upon the further you read. The setting allows for some truly unique events to occur in the entirety of the plot that have you questioning the line between reality and delusion.
meleekatremblay's review
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
agirlamongstbooks's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
WTF did I just read? Seriously....I spent about almost a week reading this book and couldn't even begin to tell you what the plot was truly about. This is my first Moshfegh book and will probably be my last.
daniellelouise99's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lesenmachtspass's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0