tender is the flesh. a review

"Tender is the Flesh" by Agustina Bazterrica is a dystopian novel that delves into themes of morality, ethics, and the human condition. Set in a world where a virus has rendered animals toxic to consume, the novel explores the consequences of this crisis on society.

The story follows Marcos, a manager at a processing plant where humans are raised and slaughtered for meat consumption. In this bleak world, human flesh has become the primary source of sustenance for the population. Marcos grapples with his complicity in this brutal system as he navigates the ethical dilemmas it presents.

Bazterrica masterfully crafts a narrative that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the food industry, consumerism, and the commodification of human life. The novel forces readers to question the boundaries of morality and the depths of human depravity in the face of survival.

Through vivid and unsettling imagery, Bazterrica paints a grim picture of a society driven by greed and desperation. The novel explores the dehumanizing effects of a system that values profit over compassion, pushing its characters to confront their own humanity in the midst of horror.

"Tender is the Flesh" is a thought-provoking and disturbing exploration of the moral complexities of a dystopian world. It forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of violence, exploitation, and the human capacity for both empathy and cruelty. Bazterrica's haunting prose and compelling storytelling make this novel a powerful and unforgettable read.