The sudden appearance of a deadly virus that infects animals irrevocably changes the world: From wild beasts to pets, all must be systematically exterminated, while their meat cannot be consumed. Governments respond to the situation with a drastic decision: they legalize the breeding, reproduction, slaughter, and processing of human meat. Cannibalism becomes law, and society is divided into two groups: those who eat and those who are eaten.

Markos Techo, the general manager of the Krig meat processing unit, is an enigmatic bureaucrat. On the day he receives a breeding woman for consumption as a gift, temptation dangerously transforms him, pushing him to violate the laws while walking on the razor's edge. In this relentless dystopia – as beastly as it is penetrating, as allegorical as it is realistic – Basterrika inspires, with her explosive narrative power, highly relevant public discussions.

“A unique book, with a dense atmosphere that captivates the reader.” Juan José Millás

“The great art of this staggering dystopia is how it underscores the way the boundaries of morality are shattered, one after another, thus allowing previously abominable practices to become the established order.” Le Monde

“With a major threat to the future, overpopulation and the lack of meat as its theme, Basterrika pens a significant book regarding the relativity of moral values and what Hannah Arendt called the ‘banality of evil.’” Per. Lire

“A striking testament to Basterrika's mastery, transforming such a grim subject into a book you cannot put down.” Kirkus Reviews

“A densely structured and chillingly persuasive novel with an unexpected outcome, an allegory for the cannibalistic society in which we live, a brilliant conception written in prose sharp as a knife.” Jorge Fernández Díaz

“With its direct and stark language, The Exquisite Corpse delves deeply into the grim mechanics of a dystopian cannibalistic society. Its images, horrific yet enthralling, like taken from paintings by Francis Bacon, shed light on the dark and established practices of modern daily life.” Pedro Mairal

“Written in minimalist, precise language, The Exquisite Corpse is a stunning tale about the cruelty among human beings, without lacking in poetic quality.” Clarín

“Basterrika carves a flexible, universal language; capable of condensing terror, drama, empathy, and despair.” Revista Kunst