The Empusium

The Empusium is a captivating novel by Olga Tokarczuk set in a health resort in 1913. The protagonist, Mieczyslaw Wojnicz, a student suffering from tuberculosis, arrives at the guesthouse of Wilhelm Opitz, where a group of men has gathered to discuss the pressing issues of their time. As they indulge in a hallucinogenic liqueur, eerie events begin to permeate the atmosphere of the resort. The narrative intertwines elements of horror, comedy, folklore, and feminist parables, offering a profound reflection on human fears and societal norms. Tokarczuk succeeds in transporting readers to a world where the supernatural and the everyday are disturbingly intertwined. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the political and social upheavals of the era, raising fundamental questions about power, gender, and human existence.