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A review by readerrose676
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was so believably nasty. And, the reason why I didn't say "unbelievably" is because the actions that took place in this book are not as far away from reality as people may think. While yes, the descent into cannibalism is a very drastic change, the implications of the book are still unable to ignore.
How Marcos treated the female- especially at the end, the final understanding of exactly who Marcos was and how his limited perspective altered our own interpretations of the book, the subtle connotation of the government lying about the virus to begin with as an answer to overpopulation and crime.
All of these ideas, fleshed out in this short 200 page book, were so interesting to consume. What I find the most interesting however, is the slow and steady acceptance of this world. In the beginning, I was absolutely disgusted by the actions taken place and the descriptions, and I had to put this book down many times. But after reading some reviews online, I realize that I was not the only person who had subconsciously accepted that this world was what it was. Yes, it was still absolutely disgusting to read. Yes, the issues were still present and I was still aware of it. But I was no longer actively gagging while I read. And I think that this was a very intentional addition to the book to truly grasp the hypocrisy and how at the end of the day, humans are animals to. That descent can't be allowed to happen.
Overall, I thought this was a very interesting read. It wasn't flawless, by any means, but I couldn't put it down even when I desperately wanted to.
(I feel like a scholar rn sorry)
How Marcos treated the female- especially at the end, the final understanding of exactly who Marcos was and how his limited perspective altered our own interpretations of the book, the subtle connotation of the government lying about the virus to begin with as an answer to overpopulation and crime.
All of these ideas, fleshed out in this short 200 page book, were so interesting to consume. What I find the most interesting however, is the slow and steady acceptance of this world. In the beginning, I was absolutely disgusted by the actions taken place and the descriptions, and I had to put this book down many times. But after reading some reviews online, I realize that I was not the only person who had subconsciously accepted that this world was what it was. Yes, it was still absolutely disgusting to read. Yes, the issues were still present and I was still aware of it. But I was no longer actively gagging while I read. And I think that this was a very intentional addition to the book to truly grasp the hypocrisy and how at the end of the day, humans are animals to. That descent can't be allowed to happen.
Overall, I thought this was a very interesting read. It wasn't flawless, by any means, but I couldn't put it down even when I desperately wanted to.
(I feel like a scholar rn sorry)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Gore, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Moderate: Rape, Child death, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia