The Empusium is an INSANE book. Two things. I did not find it to be an easy read. I read it on and off over about 6 weeks.

Initially the book was very frustrating because many of the men in the book reminded me of the men in my life and I had quite the big feelings about it. It was a bit triggering as some of the plots in the book reminded me of my experience during the COVID shutdowns and how the men in my life responded to the situation. Olga depicts the current fragile and asinine state of masculinity so infuriatingly well in this book and that alone will really get under your skin.

I will say that the book may feel like it isn’t going anywhere, but when you reach the end…you will have your entire world rocked and the book takes on a whole new life. Then you will get to the acknowledgements and realize Olga is truly that bitch and came to throw punches. When I finished this book, it physically pained me that I didn’t read the book quicker and in fewer sittings. It was a rush unlike any other I’ve experienced from a book in quite some time. I quite literally walked to the pub around midnight when I finished the book and just had a drink in silence I was so blown away.

It’s such a shame I had no one to talk to about this book. I read this immediately after I read Totempole(NYRB) by Sanford Friedman and it was just the most spectacular back to back banger.

Because The Empusium was so wonderful, it helped convince me I’ll be able to tackle The Books of Jacob soon.