75 pages • 2 hours read
McTeague: A Story of San Francisco
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1890s
1899
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
McTeague by Frank Norris, follows the life of McTeague, a dull and brutish dentist in San Francisco whose life unravels after he marries Trina Sieppe, a woman who wins a $5,000 lottery. Their struggle for financial security brings out their greed and leads to violence and destruction, reflecting the Naturalist themes of humans being driven by primal instincts and societal forces. The narrative includes instances of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Gritty
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
6,952 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Frank Norris's McTeague highlight its gritty portrayal of human nature and San Francisco's tenderloin district at the turn of the century. Critics praise its vivid characters and naturalistic style. However, some find its depiction of greed and violence disturbing and its prose occasionally overwrought. Overall, McTeague remains a powerful study of societal issues.
Who Should Read McTeague?
Readers who would enjoy McTeague by Frank Norris typically appreciate gritty, naturalistic novels that explore human greed and downfall. Fans of Emile Zola's Germinal and Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie would find similar themes of social struggle and moral ambiguity compelling. Ideal for those drawn to realistic depictions of turn-of-the-century life.
6,952 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1890s
1899
Adult
18+ years
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