Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh

This is absolutely not a charming reflection on the Middle Ages. Think Game of Thrones, not Camelot. It starts off as a grim fairy tale and while it doesn't seem possible at the outset, it goes downhill from there. If a downbeat novel is not your thing, you should steer clear of this. The plot follows the life of a 13-year-old boy named Marek who lives with his cruel shepherd father, Jude, in the feudal village of Lapvona. Since his mother vanished shortly after his birth, unloved Marek was nursed by the blind village witch, whose ancient breasts have miraculously — and graphically — nursed almost all the villagers. He starts off as the classic innocent, but even he is drawn down by the weight of the eat or be eaten time he lives in. There is magic, cruelty, cannabalism, and more to be had within these pages.