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49 pages 1 hour read

Tender Is the Flesh

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Agustina Bazterrica

Tender Is the Flesh

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

209

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Undisclosed, dystopian future

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, a virus renders animals unsafe to eat, leading to the normalization of cannibalism as a legitimate industry. The plot follows Marcos Tejo, a manager at a human slaughterhouse, as he navigates the societal and personal ramifications of this new reality. The narrative explores themes of human commodification, ethical decay, and the complexities of personal relationships amidst widespread moral corruption.

Dark

Unnerving

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

267,031 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Agustina Bazterrica's Tender Is the Flesh garners praise for its chilling, dystopian premise and powerful social commentary, provoking deep reflection on humanity and morality. Critics laud its unflinching prose and compelling narrative. Conversely, some find its graphic content disturbing and its relentless bleakness overwhelming. Overall, it's a provocative and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tender Is the Flesh?

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica appeals to readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with a focus on societal critique, dark themes, and ethical dilemmas. Fans of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Road by Cormac McCarthy will appreciate its chilling exploration of humanity and survival.

4.0

267,031 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Marcos Tejo

The protagonist through whom the story unfolds, working as a manager at a meat processing plant and dealing with profound personal losses, including the death of his son. He grapples with ethical dilemmas surrounding cannibalism and human suffering.

A woman from a subjugated class intended for slaughter, whose relationship with Tejo evolves over time. Lacking vocal cords, she becomes central to Tejo's household dynamics.

Tejo’s sister, depicted as accepting of societal norms and the novel's grim realities. Her relationship with Tejo is transactional, highlighting her adherence to societal conventions and practices.

Tejo’s wife, a nurse who experiences deep grief after losing their child. Her connection with Tejo becomes strained as she grapples with her desires and societal pressures.

A marginalized group living on the fringes of society, surviving off discarded or illegal meat. Their existence underscores the socioeconomic divides and is characterized by their interactions with various other characters in the story.

Book Details
Pages

209

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Undisclosed, dystopian future

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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