Review: Tender Is the Flesh, Novel by Agustina Bazterrica, 2017

Tender Is the Flesh, Novel by Agustina Bazterrica, 2017
I rate this translated novel 4.75 out of 5 stars.

 A Disturbing Reflection of Our Humanity: A Review of "Tender Is The Flesh"

 

Agustina Bazterrica’s award-winning novel "Tender Is The Flesh" is a bone-chilling exploration of a dystopian future where cannibalism has become the norm, and human meat is not only legal but in high demand. The protagonist, Marcos, works in a slaughterhouse, a job that requires a cold detachment from the horrors that unfold around him daily. Much like the "gestation crates" and "insemination phases" of our industrialized farming world, this novel utilizes euphemisms to mask the ghastly truth, turning humans into mere "heads" on the meat circuit.

 

Despite his gruesome profession, Marcos is a character with whom readers can sympathize. This is a man who has lost a child, whose wife has retreated to her mother's house to grieve in isolation, and whose father is slipping into dementia. His personal struggles, layered upon the societal horrors around him, make him a relatable figure in an otherwise alien world. Yet, a shocking act towards the end of the novel abruptly severs this sympathy, a twist that will leave readers stunned and questioning the very nature of humanity.

 

The world Bazterrica constructs feels eerily familiar, not far removed from our current existence. The normalization of cannibalism, though initially shocking, mirrors our society's acceptance of morally questionable practices. In this sense, "Tender Is The Flesh" is a thought-provoking critique of our collective ethical complacency.

 

Bazterrica's clever use of language to obscure horrifying realities is another standout feature of this novel. Like Orwell's "1984" and our modern-day slang, the narrative demonstrates how we speak the unspeakable, constructing a world where "special meat" is a euphemism for human flesh, and a human hand served on a bed of lettuce is referred to as an "Upper Extremity".

 

The novel's unsettling blend of revulsion and arousal adds to its visceral impact. Scenes intertwining sex with butchery are particularly disturbing, challenging the reader’s comfort zone and highlighting the stark extremities of this dystopian world.

 

With "Tender Is The Flesh", Bazterrica has crafted a chilling, thought-provoking narrative that holds a mirror to our society, forcing us to confront our ethical complacency and to consider the importance of preserving our collective human decency. This book is not for the faint-hearted, but its ability to provoke discomfort and contemplation is the power of Bazterrica's storytelling. It's a novel that will undoubtedly linger in your mind long after the final page.

 

#AgustinaBazterrica #TenderIsTheFlesh #MoralityInDystopia #ShockingReads #HiddenReality #Cannibalism #Dystopia, #DisturbingReads

Review: Earthlings by Sayaka Murata, 2020

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata, 2020
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Earthlings" by Sayaka Murata, originally written in Japanese and translated into , is a thought-provoking and unique book that explores uncomfortable themes and societal pressure to conform. Set in Japan, the characters are complex and nuanced, and the author does an excellent job of portraying their innermost thoughts and desires.

The plot is unpredictable, with absurdly risible twists and turns. However, the book's unique style and tone may not be for everyone, as it can be challenging to read at times. The grotesque and absurd nature of the content is delivered with a matter-of-factness that is both calming and disarming, that when the twist comes, it lands a one-two punch of shock then laughter.

Despite its darkness and strangeness, I found myself chuckling at the unique solutions the characters find to address their predicaments. Planet Popinpobopia, the supposed home planet of some of the characters, evokes both a sort of  cute and funny levity, adding an interesting layer to the story. Another interesting aspect of the book is the magic mirror, in which, the author uses as a tool to explore the characters' innermost desires and fears, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the book.

On reflection, I realized that I don't often read books in this genre or style, which made it all the more interesting to me. I laud the author's risks and exploration of uncomfortable themes in a way that challenges readers to question societal norms and expectations.

Overall, "Earthlings" is a thought-provoking and unique book that may not be for everyone but is worth exploring for those who are looking for something different and unconventional. The book's commentary on society and its characters' struggles to find their place in it make it a fascinating read that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.

#Earthlings #SayakaMurata #JapaneseFiction #TranslatedFiction #BookReview #DarkHumor #SocialCommentary #ThoughtProvoking #GinnyTapleyTakemori #Popinpobopia #DisturbingReads #MagicalRealism

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