Reviews tagging 'Animal death'

De Gados e Homens by Ana Paula Maia

11 reviews

rmnedder's review against another edition

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dark reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

What a deeply disturbing little book! Despite its short length, Of Cattle and Men is incredibly atmospheric, full of beautifully done prose (which is a stark and welcome contrast to the casual brutality everywhere). The slow crawl of dread towards the inevitable end is masterfully done. There are some questions I wanted answers to that went unanswered, but I'm not necessarily upset about that! 

Come for the abattoir animal horror, stay for the insightful reflections on humanity, morality, and death.  As always, read the content warnings.
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isabeldotml's review against another edition

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challenging dark
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition

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dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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sydneyntb's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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mcnan's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A short book delivering some intense imagery on the truths of meat production
but with a slight surrealist edge that was unexpected
Books on meat production make me so sad but reaffirm my love of the creatures of the earth
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archaicrobin's review against another edition

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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. 
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nathiddles_106's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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pil4r's review against another edition

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dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

De ganados y de hombres nos permite pispear, cual moscas circundantes, la vida de los trabajadores de un matadero en Brasil. Nos asoma, con una crudeza similar a la de Agustina Bazterrica, al negocio de la carne que, generalmente, preferimos ignorar. Creo que este es un punto fuerte del libro pero, sin embargo, considero que la maestría de la autora (y el traductor) residen en la narrativa que yuxtapone masculinidad y ruralidad.
La crueldad aparece pero no es la protagonista; lo son, a mi entender, estos varones a los que como sociedad les pagamos no sólo por matar sino por llevar sobre sus hombros y vidas el peso de hacerlo cotidianamente.
La prosa de Ana Paula Maia es bella y retrata con una amabilidad agridulce (pero justa) lo tosco y sangriento.
Si bien esta obra no es el ¿thriller? que esperaba, a partir de recomendaciones compartidas, considero que es un relato intenso y necesario. 
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verbamatic's review against another edition

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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. 
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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Of Cattle and Men was a confronting read due to its matter-of-fact yet graphic depiction of the workings of a Brazilian abbatoir. It was definitely dark with both men and beasts losing their minds and their lives, sometimes in mysterious circumstances. It showcased the burdens some jobs place on the workforce. I found it to be compelling and thought provoking, best not read before dinner if beef is on the menu.
 
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