37 pages 1 hour read

Thomas Savage

The Power of the Dog

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage, set in 1925 Montana, follows the story of ranch-owning brothers Phil and George Burbank. Their relationship is strained when George marries Rose Gordon and brings her and her son Peter to live on the ranch. Phil's growing cruelty toward Rose and Peter escalates tensions, culminating in a surprising conclusion that challenges notions of masculinity and power. The book contains topics such as suicide and physical violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Thomas Savage's The Power of the Dog is lauded for its rich, atmospheric prose and deep exploration of masculinity and isolation in the American West. However, some critique its slow pacing and grim tone. The complex characters and nuanced relationships provide compelling drama, though the bleakness may not appeal to all readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Power of the Dog?

Readers who relish brooding Western tales with complex characters would appreciate The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage. Fans of Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain and Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses will find its tension-filled narrative and exploration of masculinity compelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Western

Historical Fiction

Topics

LGBTQ

Addiction / Substance Abuse

History: U.S.

Themes

Identity: Masculinity

Identity: Sexuality