Lead Review (The Hungry and the Fat)

• Book: The Hungry and the Fat
• Location: Europe
• Author: Jamie Bulloch (Translator), Timur Vermes

Review Author: Tina Hartas

#fromourbookshelves

3.5*

This is the author who wrote the well-received novel ‘Look Who’s Back’, which I enjoyed. Given that story was about Hitler reappearing, it is clear that this author is not averse to tackling topical/difficult issues.

In this novel – The Hungry and the Fat – migrants are on the march across Europe, in full view of the media. Their progress is told from many different perspectives and tension relies on whether (and how) any country might stop them. The satire is more hard nosed in this novel and therefore the levity is scarce. And of course this was published in 2020 and the situation across Europe in this regard has changed a lot.

It is a difficult subject to take on and at times the narrative gets a little bogged down over the 550+ pages. but it is a brave book and worth your time, given the migrant crisis is at the heart of politics across Europe.

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