Story perspectives

Book Club’s “Flesh” Debate Sparks Intergenerational Masculinity Talk

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The unnamed founder and Zubin Jain launched Modern Man’s Book Club in late 2025.
The club now attracts 15-20 participants per session, with men outnumbering women.
During a discussion of David Szalay’s 2025 Booker Prize winner *Flesh*, members criticized the protagonist’s emotionally detached, monosyllabic dialogue.
A middle-aged participant argued the portrayal reflected men of his generation, prompting a broader conversation on intergenerational masculinity.

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Story summary

The unnamed founder and Zubin Jain launched Modern Man’s Book Club in late 2025.
The club now attracts 15-20 participants per session, with men outnumbering women.
During a discussion of David Szalay’s 2025 Booker Prize winner *Flesh*, members criticized the protagonist’s emotionally detached, monosyllabic dialogue.
A middle-aged participant argued the portrayal reflected men of his generation, prompting a broader conversation on intergenerational masculinity.