Flesh
David Szalay
Penguin Books, 2025
The Booker Prize-winning Flesh by David Szalay details the story of Istvan, who at the beginning of the novel is a young man lacking direction and impetus. Unfortunately (or fortunately for him), Istvan does not achieve any kind of autonomy as his life goes on throughout the text, and he is content to exist as an amoral mediocrity.
Istvan is living and working in London and, despite no obvious positive personal attributes, has a series of encounters which begin his upward social trajectory. As the driver of a very rich businessman, Istvan catches the eye of the businessman’s wife, marrying her after the death of the businessman. He embarks upon some questionable business ventures of his own and achieves a modicum of success, which is negatively regarded by the businessman’s first son, who comes to understand the questionable financial arrangements that Istvan has entered into.
Istvan rides the currents of life, seemingly having no personal beliefs, ambition or motivation. The novel creates a tale about a purposefully nebulous character. Istvan is a cypher, with no discernible characteristics, following pleasure where it presents itself and coping with pain in more or less the same way. The scene in which Istvan watches his wife’s first son shoot up and overdose, and then debates whether he is going to call an ambulance, demonstrates the apathetic way that Istvan moves through life.
The novel is interesting and engaging, reflecting meaningfully on what should motivate us and what we expect from the people in our lives. It explores the lack of engagement and purpose that someone can have. A compelling story that is well told.
