A review by _literarychez
Cows by Matthew Stokoe

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

0.25

I have only given this book 0.25 of a star, because zero wasn’t an option. 

A friend of mine gave into curiosity and so did I - I’d seen so much on Instagram and TikTok about this that I just had to experience it for myself. 

However, I absolutely hated this book, which is a rarity for me. The story itself was entirely ridiculous, beyond disgusting and I was so relieved when it was over. 

Sure, the shock factor was crazy, my jaw hit the floor multiple times purely at how disgusting it was in places. But overall, it was poorly written, grim and had little to no actual point. 

So all I’ve taken from this is the vivid and disturbing image of human beings eating actual sh*t for their dinner, the detailed and horrific abuse of cows and the resounding feeling of ‘what the f*ck have I just read’? 

I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone, and I’m not sorry about it.