Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Dylan Sulcer)
Imagine a world where the person next to you could end up being served for dinner–that is the world that Agustina Bazterrica introduced to the world in 2017. In this dystopian version of Argentina, a virus has contaminated all animal meat. With no other meat alternative, the government institutes what comes to be known as the “Transition,” and thus begins the era of human consumption.
One note for some more sensitive individuals before proceeding is that it does get a bit graphic at times. There are a few scenes that are particularly gory, as it does detail the slaughter process. There are some more sexually charged scenes with some SA, so reader discretion is advised.
This world is set not too far in the future and offers dystopian fans a lot to lean into. One of the biggest recurring themes in dystopian worlds is how governments use their power to harm the people they are sworn to care for. This novel offers a great view of that, though it is a little less direct than some others. Earlier segments in the book talk about the history of this world. This is also where details about the Transition are revealed. Much of the narrator’s inner monologues also reflects on the world that they have been plunged into, as they now work for the very industry they despise. Some other ideas touched on are cannibalism and family, as seen with the main characters relationship with his father and sister.
Some praise from the New York Times, among other sources, note its powerful commentary on the potential oppressive effects of capitalism. Factory farming as a whole is also implicated in this novel, as the slaughter practices depicted mirror those used for real world livestock. It has won a number of awards, both for the Spanish version first published in 2017 and the translation from 2020.
The novel is also relatively short, coming in at just over 200 pages. Even with the shorter length of this story, it still has enough major points to captivate any reader and offers plenty for those looking for darker, more dystopian novels without the happy endings. The book is a great quick read that will be difficult to put down once started. It has a 3.77 rating on Goodreads that is well earned. It is a dark, bleak future with no good guys, no hope and no way out.
