Voce Books (Club): The Empusium

The VOCE BOOKS (CLUB) returns, with another close reading of a brand new work of fiction in translation:

THE EMPUSIUM: A HEALTH RESORT HORROR STORY

By OLGA TOCKARCZUK

Translated from the Polish by ANTONIA LLOYD-JONES

Published by FITZCARRALDO EDITIONS

In September 1913, a young Pole suffering from tuberculosis arrives at Wilhelm Opitz’s Guesthouse for Gentlemen, a health resort in the Silesian mountains. Every evening the residents gather to imbibe the hallucinogenic local liqueur & debate the great issues of the day: monarchy or democracy? Do devils exist? Are women born inferior? War or peace? Meanwhile, disturbing things are happening in the guesthouse & the surrounding hills. Someone – or something – seems to be watching, attempting to infiltrate this cloistered world. Little does the newcomer realize, as he tries to unravel both the truths within himself & the mystery of the sinister forces beyond, that they have already chosen their next target. A century after the publication of ‘The Magic Mountain’, Olga Tokarczuk revisits Thomas Mann territory and lays claim to it, blending horror story, comedy, folklore & feminist parable with brilliant storytelling.

Copies of THE EMPUSIUM, A HEALTH RESORT HORROR STORY can be purchased from Voce Books in advance of the event with a Voce Books (Club) discount of 10%.

Spaces are limited & offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so we kindly ask that you place a reservation for the book club here on our Eventbrite page.

VOCE BOOKS is located at 54-57 Allison Street, Digbeth with step-free access via the BRIG Café. For further enquiries about the event, or to discuss any access requirements please email [email protected]

Host or Publisher Voce Books