Tender is the Flesh

"Working at the local processing plant, Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans--though no one calls them that anymore. First an infectious virus made all animal meat poisonous to humans. Then governments initiated the "Transition." Now, eating "special meat" is legal. Then one day he is given a live specimen of the finest quality. Though aware that any form of personal contact is forbidden on pain of death, little by little Marcos starts to treat her like a human being. And soon, he becomes tortured by what has been lost--and what might still be saved"--Adapted from front flap