A review by melodyseestrees
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

I took a chance of this book as a reader who is not overly fond of many common horror themes. This book was NOT for me and the ending made me wonder exactly why this book is so well-regarded. This is very difficult to read, the characters are flat, there are characters of color (but guess where most of them are-
They're Meat
), and there were some weak plot points. For example there are very few illnesses that can possibly effect ALL animals except people and there would have been a progression through all the types of animals before cannibalism became the answer. So what chicken and beef go down and then your landlord is nibbling your baby? Is there a huge population of vegans/vegetarians who are doing just fine and not even attempting to protect anybody or themselves? 
The main character is just complicit and awful. The ending is a damnation arc honestly. 
TLDR: This book isn't for me and this author isn't gonna get another chance from me. If you enjoy dark, realistic (if you lost your glasses and are squinting) horror you will enjoy this, especially if you enjoy human suffering and unnecessary animal cruelty. 
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