The novel is set in a future where a virus has wiped out all animal life, rendering meat scarce and expensive. In order to solve the meat crisis, the government legalizes the consumption of human flesh, a decision that has drastic consequences for the society as a whole.
The story follows Marcos, a slaughterhouse worker who is tasked with preparing human meat for consumption. Marcos is initially horrified by his job, but as he becomes desensitized to the gruesome task he begins to see his fellow humans as nothing more than a commodity.
As the novel progresses, we see the devastating effects that this new industry has on society. Consumers become increasingly addicted to the taste of human flesh, leading to a rise in human trafficking and the commodification of human bodies.
Bazterrica masterfully creates a world that is simultaneously familiar and terrifying. There are echoes of our own world in the way that humans are commodified and exploited for their resources, but the addition of legalized cannibalism takes this to a disturbing new level.
“Tender Is the Flesh” is a haunting commentary on the commodification of human life and the dangerous consequences of playing god with our food system. It is a thought-provoking read that will stay with readers long after they have finished the last page.
