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archaicrobin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A dark and visceral look at the meat industry through the perspective of a man working in a slaughterhouse as the stun operator. Edgar has compassion for the animals he slaughters and shines a light on the inhumanity of slaughtering animals so the masses can ingest it guilt free with little to no understanding of what must be done to make that burger. As we’ve become more civilized we’ve become more barbaric, and that is shown here in this novel. I’ve been a vegetarian for 20 years and this novel touched on a lot of issues with the meat industry and our current society that I feel everyone should be aware of. Edgar was an excellent narrator for this tale because you see a man that’s good at his job despite his compassion towards the animals and goes above and beyond to ensure they’re treated respectfully even in the stun box. There is so much to say about this novel and its themes and I think it’s one definitely worth a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Vomit, and Classism
verbamatic's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Excellent translation into English by Zoë Perry. This enigmatic novella, told in simple language, gets under your skin with its mystery and brutality. You know there’s more below the surface, but can you get to the bottom? Why were certain phrases said by certain characters? Were some events, seemingly matter-of-course, highly significant? A book to re-read many times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
Minor: Death and Vomit
ferrie's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Abortion, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Racial slurs