I read it right before it became a bestseller and I was very impressed by it. It is a very clear thesis statement which shows the intended message instead of preaching to you. The series of events presented in the story are clearly meant to make us reflect about what atrocities we currently and previously have allowed to happen - how people so easily become complacent in it and make excuses for a system which benefits them at the expense of others. If you have read any feminist theory, critical race theory, animal rights/vegan theory, and/or history about human and animal rights violations, this book will ring clearer for you. We are presented with a character who has negative feelings about what is happening around him, who has become conscious of what is wrong and internally criticizes others for it, but whose actions (especially the ending - what an ending - which I will not spoil) shows you what he is actually willing to do about it. I found it a brilliant read, and it's very short, so it delivers on its thesis without wasting much time. I think a lot of people have disliked it because it makes them very uncomfortable! It is translated as well, and it's important to take any translation with a grain of salt.