David Szalay

Fiction 2025 | 368 pages

This book has a lot of sex in it but not love. 

Flesh follows the life of its protagonist, István, from his difficult adolescence in post-communist Hungary to his rise and fall in the elite circles of London. The story traces István’s journey as he navigates a world where his capacity for violence becomes his primary asset — first as a soldier in Iraq, then as a bodyguard and driver for the super-rich, and finally as a wealthy property developer. A sweeping, decades-spanning novel, István eventually returns to his hometown in Hungary.

80% of the words that come out of his mouth are, quite literally, "okay."  He says "okay" to proposals, to ideas, to suggestions, to sex, and as a constant response to "how are you?"  He has no color, no personality, no insight, no depth, no self-awareness.  He must be the most boring character I have ever encountered.

The story didn't make a lot of sense to me.  István, after his stints in detention and the army, works as a bouncer, a bodyguard, and a driver.  Then, suddenly, a few years pass and he is married, has a son, is somewhat articulate, and has become a successful business property developer.  I do not know how he went from menial, physical jobs to this professional role.  Even after rereading it.

I also cannot wrap my head around why Marian recommended this book for book club. It doesn't seem like something we would like, and, more important, I cannot imagine Marian reading Flesh and liking it.

I don't like the character, the story line is confusing, and nothing has grabbed my attention.  I do not recommend Flesh.

June 2026