Flesh by David Szalay

I have a framed quote on my office wall that reads 'Great Writing is Minimalist'. So that would make the author a great writer. I agree.

This book follows the life of a Hungarian man, Istvan, from the age of fifteen until old age. His story starts and ends in Hungary although most of his life is spent in England, particularly in London. He suffers various traumas such as sexual abuse and exploitation, war, loss and imprisonment although there is not much detail surrounding these and most are only mentioned briefly. Obviously these are not things he wants to face.

The writing is sparse and matches Istvan's character perfectly. Often paragraphs are made from only one sentence and the dialogue mainly consists of Istvan repeating questions and responding with 'Okay'. It is an interesting way to write a novel and certainly kept my attention, I rather enjoyed a waffle-free narrative and find it quite refreshing. Written in the third person almost entirely from the main character's point of view, his thoughts are devoid of emotion or any real depth.

​The title of the book indicates that the tale is of the flesh, the physical experience as opposed to philosophical thoughts or feelings. There is the suggestion that his body is big or strong as he serves as a soldier and finds employment in security, reinforcing the theme. He lives his life detached from others, society and himself, he is passive in his choices, isolated and not sure of his place in the world.

This novel is a reflection of life - all of us have to steer our bodies, our flesh, through the events from birth to death, and often, the most important things are what is not said, rather than what is said. A brilliant and original novel.

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Published by Jonathan Cape, Vintage Publishing on 6 March 2025.

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