this is a tentative 3-4 (3.5) ⭐️s. i have a lot to say but i think i need time to just consider the book and what it made me feel. i think the spanish title (cadáver exquisito) is much more fitting, and the english “tender is the flesh” sort of takes away from the point. i worry this book is victim to the betrayal of translation, and it will never be as good in english as it was in the original language

months later, i have updated this to 5 ⭐️s. will update when i have the time. what i said above stands true, but i think about this book at least once a week. it was effective, and i am glad i’ve been a vegetarian for 6 years.

thinking specifically:
main character is unlikable
try to garner pity for him but cant
he fails just like everyone around him
succumbs to capitalism/society in a way that subverts expectations
high and mighty attitude into quick descent
orwellian ending - need to expand on this thought but reminds me of winston smith & julia