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A review by jai_98
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
3.0
"Duncan Ralston's "Tender Is the Flesh" is a dark and disturbing dystopian novel that pushes the boundaries of human morality and ethics. Set in a horrifying future where animal meat is banned, and human flesh becomes the primary source of sustenance, Ralston creates an unsettling world that leaves readers disturbed and contemplative.
One of the strengths of the book lies in Ralston's ability to create an unnerving atmosphere. The author expertly paints a grim picture of a society where cannibalism reigns, capturing such a reality's horror and psychological impact. The tension and sense of unease are palpable throughout, making it difficult to put the book down.
The protagonist, Marcos, is a complex and conflicted character struggling to survive in this dystopian world. Ralston delves into the depths of Marcos's psyche, revealing his internal turmoil and the choices he must make to navigate this bleak existence. Marcos's emotional journey adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, provoking thought on the malleability of human morality.
However, "Tender Is the Flesh" may not be for everyone. The graphic and explicit nature of the cannibalistic themes are difficult to stomach, and the book frequently treads into extreme and disturbing territory. Readers who are sensitive to explicit violence and gore should approach this novel with caution.
While the dystopian premise is intriguing, the overall execution falls short in certain aspects. The pacing of the plot feels uneven, with moments that drag and fail to hold the reader's attention. Some character relationships and secondary storylines remain underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more exploration and depth.
In summary, "Tender Is the Flesh" is a chilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel exploring human nature’s darkest corners. Duncan Ralston tackles taboo themes with unflinching detail, creating a haunting and unsettling experience for readers. While the book's explicit content and uneven pacing may be off-putting to some, those who can stomach the deeply disturbing subject matter will find themselves engaged in a twisted exploration of morality and survival.
One of the strengths of the book lies in Ralston's ability to create an unnerving atmosphere. The author expertly paints a grim picture of a society where cannibalism reigns, capturing such a reality's horror and psychological impact. The tension and sense of unease are palpable throughout, making it difficult to put the book down.
The protagonist, Marcos, is a complex and conflicted character struggling to survive in this dystopian world. Ralston delves into the depths of Marcos's psyche, revealing his internal turmoil and the choices he must make to navigate this bleak existence. Marcos's emotional journey adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, provoking thought on the malleability of human morality.
However, "Tender Is the Flesh" may not be for everyone. The graphic and explicit nature of the cannibalistic themes are difficult to stomach, and the book frequently treads into extreme and disturbing territory. Readers who are sensitive to explicit violence and gore should approach this novel with caution.
While the dystopian premise is intriguing, the overall execution falls short in certain aspects. The pacing of the plot feels uneven, with moments that drag and fail to hold the reader's attention. Some character relationships and secondary storylines remain underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more exploration and depth.
In summary, "Tender Is the Flesh" is a chilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel exploring human nature’s darkest corners. Duncan Ralston tackles taboo themes with unflinching detail, creating a haunting and unsettling experience for readers. While the book's explicit content and uneven pacing may be off-putting to some, those who can stomach the deeply disturbing subject matter will find themselves engaged in a twisted exploration of morality and survival.