I recently picked up a book that I’ve seen circulating a lot in online book groups. Based on the description alone I already wanted to read it, but I was even more curious after seeing how polarizing it has been. This is one of those books that seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it situation with little room in between.
Let’s start with the basics – this is a book about cannibalism and all the nasty things that come with it. You’d think this is where the polarization stems from, right? A handful of people picked up the book without knowing much about it or thinking they could handle more of the grotesque imagery than they actually could. From what I’ve read though, that doesn’t seem to be the case. It appears that more than anything, some folks are bored with this novel. And while I disagree with those folks, I do understand where they’re coming from.
Tender is the Flesh is not your typical horror. Its literary fiction style is driven more by the inner journey of the main character, Marcos, as he makes his way through this new, dystopian landscape. Marcos has the unique perspective of serving as right-hand man to the owner of a “special meat” processing plant. While there is a central “action” that takes place it is very secondary to experiencing day-to-day life with Marcos as he encounters all the different characters he is required to deal with in his profession: a sick doctor, a religious cult, and their sacrificial tribute, rich men with an enthusiastic passion for “hunting” their own meat, and more.
I think one reason that this book is misunderstood is that folks are looking for the horror in the wrong place. Some, in my opinion, seem to be searching for it in jump scares. Others seem to think it will be found in the gross descriptions of what happens to the humans being eaten. What makes this book truly scary, however, is the question it quietly deposits in your mind around the end of the first chapter – one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book: could this really happen?
Phrase it however you want, but the dread begins to creep in when you begin examining the elements of society that lead to the breakdown of human morality. How hard would it truly be for this dystopian future to become a nightmarish present? Or put differently, how many steps removed are YOU from becoming tender flesh? Most everyone in this new version of the world seems to suspect the government of creating a false narrative about animals, causing humans to end up as the last available source of protein. Yet despite most people seemingly sharing this knowledge, no one steps up to do anything about it.
And that’s key here – we’re on this ride with Marcos, who we know from his inner monologue is NOT on board with much of what happens in this new world. So, we begin to question whether or not he is the hero we need to begin righting this cosmic wrong and putting things back together. I won’t spoil how this question plays out in Marcos’ own life. I’ll simply say that this novel has a lot to say about the things we will do and endure to have our own needs met.
Bazterrica does a brilliant job with several unforgettable moments (puppies!) and I highly recommend it to fans of horror and literary fiction who don’t mind a slow burn.
And if you’re interested in more literary fiction-style horror I have some great news for you! Right now, you can receive a sneak peek of my upcoming novella The Furnace by signing up for my FREE Substack newsletter. The novella is now available for pre-order on Amazon and will be out officially on May 23rd!
THE FURNACE: Now Available for Pre-Order! by Brienne Daugherty
Here’s a sneak preview…Read on Substack
briennedaugherty.com 