A review by winr_soto
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

dark sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Misogyny, Rape, Slavery, Cannibalism, Murder

Moderate: Child death, Grief

Minor: Gun violence, Homophobia, Suicide, Torture, Trafficking, Religious bigotry

ABOUT THE CONCEPT: This book was horrifying. Right after reading it I don't think I regretted reading it but after reflecting, I do regret reading it. The reason I regret it is because I thought this book would teach me something new about how horrible people can be, but it just confirmed what I already knew. Honestly, if you already know that people can be absolutely awful and horrifying, then I don’t recommend AT ALL. Maybe it’s because Im used to watching true crime videos so this stuff shocked me but it also didn’t. I literally read this whole book in 6 hours. Like I knew the events that take place in this book would be THAT bad but at the same time, I didn’t know they’d be THAT bad. Believe me, I tried EVERYTHING to deter myself from reading this book. I read one star reviews, read the LONG list of possible triggers, I even spoiled the ending for myself. I still wanted to read it. I had to read what someone could come with, with such a vile concept of a dystopian world. The only solace I get is knowing that this is fictional and not based upon or inspired by true events. I can handle crazy authors like Stephen King. As far as I’ve heard, he writes like something’s wrong with him too. And that’s okay, channel your insane ideas into disturbing literature, and I can guaranty that you’ll find your audience. Will I EVER read a disturbing book again? HELL no, but you’ll find an audience somewhere. Honestly, this book makes me want to meet the author and ask what inspired such an insane idea for a book. ABOUT THE STORY: I can’t believe some people thought Marcos was the protagonist, he had relations with a woman that has the brain of a new born. He was NEVER the good guy. And to realize he never even saw her as human was not a shock. EVERYONE in this book needs to go to a max security PRISON, and the guy that runs the game reserve needs to get the chair. I did cry once during this book. What Marcos saw when he was an inspector, what had happened to that girl. And we know that wasn’t the first time that happened. INSANITY!!