A review by whatshereads727
Possessed: The Secret of Myslotch: A Gothic Novel by Witold Gombrowicz

challenging dark funny mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 

Witold Gombrowicz is a Polish novelist, essayist and playwright who observed, commented and critiqued contemporary society and the human condition. His writings are eccentric and wildly unique. Interesting to me, this story which is translated into English by Antonia Lloyd-Jones for the first time since 1939. The original version was evidently missing the ending, which was discovered in 1986 by Ludwik B. Grzeniewski, who found the final three instalments of the novel in surviving copies of Kurier Czerwony newspaper, from September 1939. The full Polish version was actually only published in 1990, so this is a new ending for the first time in English. It has since become one of the top 500 best books ever published. 

The third person narrative revolves around the love affair between a young woman named Maja Ocholowska, and a tennis coach named Marian Walczak. Their love story takes place in a haunted castle, in which an insane prince lives, surrounded by an art collection. The love between these two is both sweet and romantic, while being dark and disturbing and ultimately comedic. There is doubt, fear and hate. This is a gothic possession that forces us to imagine losing our sense of being and fall victim to paranoia and insanity. 

This book was interesting and I am glad that I read it because of its history.  It is not for everyone, in my opinion. If you enjoy satire, comedic representation and a haunted castle, this one is for you.