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A review by ashleyvharris
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Oh God, where do we even start with this book? It is so short but took me so long to get through because I had to put it down and take breaks. I’m torn between disgust at the horrific premise and impressed at the author’s ability to write about this world in such a believable way.
The premise of legal cannibalism is interesting given that in 49 states it is not illegal to eat human flesh or drink human blood (give that it was obtained legally). *Googled so many ethical questions about this after reading* I think Bazterrica builds a fairly believable world around this cultural shift. I also appreciated the idea that the animal virus that caused these communities to turn to cannibalism could’ve been a government created hoax to control overpopulation.
While I didn’t particularly click with any of the characters, Bazterrica addresses many relevant themes and questions in the story. Poverty, the ethics of eating meat (animal or human), child loss, grief, isolation, depression, manipulative familial relationships, etc.
The whole thing still feels… pretty gross. But I also knew what the book was about going into it, so I can’t be shocked. There’s really no way to make a story of cannibalism not disturbing. If you enjoy unsettling stories that consider ethical dilemmas, this one is for you!
The premise of legal cannibalism is interesting given that in 49 states it is not illegal to eat human flesh or drink human blood (give that it was obtained legally). *Googled so many ethical questions about this after reading* I think Bazterrica builds a fairly believable world around this cultural shift. I also appreciated the idea that the animal virus that caused these communities to turn to cannibalism could’ve been a government created hoax to control overpopulation.
While I didn’t particularly click with any of the characters, Bazterrica addresses many relevant themes and questions in the story. Poverty, the ethics of eating meat (animal or human), child loss, grief, isolation, depression, manipulative familial relationships, etc.
The whole thing still feels… pretty gross. But I also knew what the book was about going into it, so I can’t be shocked. There’s really no way to make a story of cannibalism not disturbing. If you enjoy unsettling stories that consider ethical dilemmas, this one is for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Murder, Trafficking, Violence, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Gore, Animal death, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Child death, Classism, Confinement, Death of parent, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Grief, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual assault, Racism, Emotional abuse, and Rape