This is the only other novel Agustina Bazterrica has published so far, and of course I had to read it, too. The Unworthy doesn’t have a very original premise or a shocking ending like Tender Is the Flesh. But it’s so beautifully written. I especially recommend listening to it on Audible narrated by Maru Drozd. She does a phenomenal job with the author’s hypnotic language.
Bazterrica’s books have been translated into English but I can’t comment on the quality of the translation.
The Unworthy is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the only form of civilization that remains is an anti-Christian religious cult. Yes, this setting has been done to death, I know. But check this out. There’s a scene where bad people kill a dog, and I was brought almost to tears by the description. We all know that I’m not a fan of dogs, to put it mildly, so imagine the power of Bazterrica’s talent to get me to feel it.
Bazterrica writes despondent, depressing books. Be forewarned if you are not in the right place for descriptions of misery and depravity. But she’s exceptionally talented. These are excellent books.
If you teach Spanish literature, these books can be great for your classroom. The students who won’t be moved to discuss these books vigorously will need to have their vitals checked because they probably expired.
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