Book Review: Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

4.25/5 stars. This was my first read by this author. Bazterrica writes wonderfully succinct and fluid prose. A pleasure to read. This novel tells a post-apocalyptic story set in the near future following a virus (the Transition) that has made animal flesh poisonous for humans to consume. Because of this virus, humans have begun to raise human ‘cattle’ as a food source – making the world into cannibals, but with altered perceptions of their reality. Our main character, Marcos, is the manager of the local meat processing plant. We see through his eyes the horrors of this new existence and what it means for him and for the world, in general. In addition, he and his wife are dealing with the loss of their young son (and the incapacitation of his father) and not dealing with it very well. 

Overall, the story demonstrates the horrors of the new realities of the world, but more importantly, shows how quickly humanity devolves into a cannibalistic society and the justifications that people create in their own minds to allow them to do that. This story not only has physical horrors, but also psychological horrors, that our main character must contend with. We witness Marcos’s ongoing slide into depression and the dangerous chances he takes to make his life seem better.

Definitely recommended and a great short read for Spooky Season!



PROSE: 5

CHARACTERS: 4

STORY: 4

ENTERTAINMENT: 4

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