A review by zayapayaya
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

dark sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was horrific and disgusting. I kinda wish I didn’t read it, but I also couldn’t stop. I will never read it again. The societal commentary on language, media, governments, and animal abuse are there but woven into such a gruesome story that it’s hard to reflect on the messages without wanting to vomit. Idk why I read this or why I finished it. I’m scarred for life. It has basically every trigger warning ever. I do not recommend this to a friend. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Dementia, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail