![Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica](http://covers.libro.fm/9781797112671_1120.jpg)
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Learn moreBookseller recommendation
“Originally written in Spanish by Argentine author Agustina Bazterrica, this book is not for the squeamish. This dystopian novel looks at what happens to human society after a virus eradicates all animals and there is no meat. Cannibalism is the solution and it is depicted in all its violent stomach turning glory. It is brutal. Heads (humans) are bred and processed as 'special meat' for human consumption. Marcos is right in the middle of this process and one day is given a gift. He knows that touching this gift is forbidden and he could find himself processed as meat if he breaks the rule, however the 'gift' is carrying his child and he will stop at nothing to protect it.”
— Suzanne • Underground Books
Bookseller recommendation
“This book is very descriptive of the processing process, not unlike in Upton Sinclair's THE JUNGLE, except with humans instead of animals. It's enough to make one uncomfortable, and raises a lot of moral questions about how living beings, be they animals or humans, are treated in general; and how something that should be unthinkable is made acceptable by the "softening" of verbiage used to describe it.
— Chris • A Freethinker's Corner
This is a book I can picture Hannibal Lector comfortably enjoying with a glass of Chianti and a plate of fava beans. As disturbing as it was, I couldn't not finish listening to it (though I wonder if I'd have a different reaction if I read it instead) I would definitely recommend this book to the die hard horror reader. I would also recommend it to those who like to challenge their views with uncomfortable topics.”
Bookseller recommendation
“ This was one of the most difficult books I've ever read, right alongside the likes of José Saramago's BLINDNESS. TENDER IS THE FLESH takes the current reality of animal factory-farming, and reimagines a future where we've resorted to and normalized the same practices - but by farming humans. A stark look at what types of violence we find acceptable, and our ever-human ability of justifying atrocities in order to remain "comfortable". Warning: this book is not for the squeamish, there are graphic descriptions of slaughterhouse practices, and horrific violence against both humans and animals. None of the practices described though, are something we are not already putting farmed animals through today.”
— Amy • Changing Hands
Working at the local processing plant, Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans—though no one calls them that anymore.
His wife has left him, his father is sinking into dementia, and Marcos tries not to think too hard about how he makes a living. After all, it happened so quickly. First, it was reported that an infectious virus has made all animal meat poisonous to humans. Then governments initiated the “Transition.” Now, eating human meat—“special meat”—is legal. Marcos tries to stick to numbers, consignments, processing.
Then one day he’s given a gift: a live specimen of the finest quality. Though he’s aware that any form of personal contact is forbidden on pain of death, little by little he starts to treat her like a human being. And soon, he becomes tortured by what has been lost—and what might still be saved.
Agustina Bazterrica, born in Buenos Aires in 1974, has a degree in arts from the University of Buenos Aires and works as a cultural manager and jury member in various literary contests. She is the author of the short story collection Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird, and the novels Matar al niña and Tender Is the Flesh, the latter of which was awarded the Clarín Novel Prize. Tender Is the Flesh established Bazterrica as a bestselling author worldwide, with translations into thirty languages and half a million copies sold in English alone. Tender Is the Flesh is currently being adapted for television. Her latest novel, The Unworthy, was published in Spanish in 2023 and received the same enthusiastic reception as Tender Is the Flesh, affirming Bazterrica’s status as a prominent author in contemporary literature.