akalavander 's review for:

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

4.0

challenging dark fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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An absolutely horrifying book that I read in one sitting. It felt impossible to put down. I agree with another review I saw saying that you had to suspend some disbelief about the world building. Some of the plot elements like the Scavengers and the widespread conformity felt unrealistic, but other parts, like how different generations would react to this new world, felt very real. Many parts of this book, including the ending, absolutely broke my heart. You kind of feel for Marcos but also know he's 100% a villain in this world too. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Infertility, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Medical content, Dementia, Trafficking, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Dementia, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Car accident, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail