Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. István’s journey is a bleak one marked by violence, transactional relationships, and a dramatic rise and fall. How did you feel about him as a protagonist by the end of the novel? 

2. The author, David Szalay, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for his novel All That Man Is, which also explores the complexities of modern masculinity. How does Flesh compare to this other title’s themes and style? If you haven’t read that novel, discuss instead how Flesh compares to other decades-spanning character studies that you have encountered.

3. What was your reaction to the novel’s precise, unsentimental prose? How did this detached style influence your emotional connection to István and his story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. István’s journey into the world of the super-rich requires him to perform a new class identity, from the way he dresses to the way he speaks. Have you ever felt pressure to change aspects of yourself in order to fit into a new social or professional environment?

2. Mervyn acts as István’s mentor but explicitly frames his help as an “investment.” What, for you, distinguishes genuine mentorship from a purely transactional relationship?

3. When discussing Jacob’s bullying, István insists his son must “stand up for himself,” while Helen wants to protect him by changing schools. Have you ever had to deal with bullies as a child? How did the situation evolve? Did you confront the bully directly or find a different way to address the issue? 

4. István lives in many different circumstances, not all of which feel like home to him. How do you define “home”? What elements are essential?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the novel’s depiction of post-communist Hungary, with its economic depression and limited opportunities, explain István’s early life choices and his turn toward violence and illicit work?

2. What does István’s career trajectory from a state soldier in Iraq to a private bodyguard for London’s elite say about the commodification of violence in our modern global economy?

3. The novel paints a stark picture of social mobility as a fragile performance rather than a genuine achievement. Do you think this is an accurate portrayal of class structures today? Is it truly possible to transcend the class you were born into?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Is István a dynamic character who changes over time, or is he fundamentally the same person reacting to different environments? 

2. How did István’s first affair with his older neighbor set the stage for his understanding of relationships? Do you see this pattern of transaction repeating in his later connections, particularly with Helen?

3. How does the author use houses and apartments to reveal different aspects of István’s life journey?

4. What is the effect of the detached, third-person narration that stays close to István’s perspective but rarely delves into his emotions? Why does the narrative occasionally shift to focus on the perspectives of Thomas and Helen?

5. How does Thomas function as a foil to István?

6. How effective did you find the novel’s quiet, anticlimactic ending? What does this conclusion suggest about the possibility of redemption or change for István?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. What kind of central community space would you design for István’s ambitious Rainham development project? What features would it have, and how might they reflect his aspirations or his underlying detachment from the community he’s building?

2. Imagine that you are a therapist assigned to István as part of his plea bargain after the assault on Thomas. What core issue would you identify as the starting point for his sessions, and what would be your primary goal for his therapy?

3. What single, everyday object would you choose to represent István’s entire life journey, from Hungary to London and back again? Why does this object capture the essence of his story?