A review by i_read_books_sometimes
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

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

0.5

A real disappointment. SA used for shock value, gratuitous horror that very quickly lost any emotional impact. I was very surprised that the author is a woman because all the female characters are only characterised by being sexual in a very dehumanising way -- which may have been the point of the book, but it felt demeaning rather than furthering the author's message. In other sections of the novel, the book hits the reader over the head repeatedly with its meaning. Phrases were repeated over and over, and the writing style was very dry. This may have been the translation, but with the plot being both boring and problematic, I still feel it's fair to give this book a low rating.
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