The Human Who Ate Everything

The 18th-century showman Tarrare suffered from a bottomless appetite that forced him to consume live animals, stones, and even refuse. This dark history inspired a modern novel that reimagines his life during the French Revolution.

Tarrare was a medical marvel who baffled doctors of his time because he remained incredibly thin despite his endless hunger. He eventually used his bizarre ability to perform on the streets of Paris and even acted as a spy who supposedly swallowed secret documents. His life story blends true historical mystery with the chaotic backdrop of the French Revolution. It serves as a fascinating look at how society treats those who defy the natural limits of the human body.