57 pages • 1 hour read
Suttree
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Knoxville, Tennessee • 1950s
1979
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Suttree follows Cornelius Suttree, a man living on a houseboat in Knoxville, Tennessee, after his release from prison, as he grapples with loss, existential despair, and his troubled past while interacting with marginalized characters on society's fringes. The novel explores themes of poverty, addiction, and sorrow experienced by individuals in 1950s America. This book contains references to suicide, racism, sex work, the death of a child, and addiction.
Melancholic
Dark
Contemplative
Mysterious
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
26,712 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Cormac McCarthy's Suttree is lauded for its rich prose and vivid depiction of Knoxville’s underbelly, drawing readers into its atmospheric depth. However, some find it overly dense and meandering. The novel's lyrical quality and complex, flawed protagonist leave a lasting impression, though its narrative demands patience.
Who Should Read Suttree?
Readers who would enjoy Suttree by Cormac McCarthy are those who appreciate Southern Gothic literature, complex characters, and lyrical prose. Fans of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying and Flannery O'Connor's Wise Blood will find the same dark, existential themes, vivid settings, and deep dives into the human psyche.
26,712 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gene Harrogate
Gene Harrogate
A young man Suttree meets in prison, known for his peculiar behavior and failed schemes, who seeks friendship but grapples with societal rejection and a lack of self-awareness.
Ab Jones
Ab Jones
A large Black man who runs a modest business with his wife, and a close friend of Suttree's, known for his struggles with alcoholism and temper, as well as facing racial injustices.
Old Railway Man/Old Ragman
Old Railway Man/Old Ragman
Two individuals without permanent housing in Knoxville whom Suttree consistently checks in on, representing the harsh realities faced by those on society's margins.
Wanda/Joyce
Wanda/Joyce
Two of Suttree’s romantic interests, each defined by their relationships with him, with Wanda offering a glimpse of potential family life and Joyce providing a sexually liberated lifestyle, both highlighting Suttree’s challenges with commitment.
480
Novel • Fiction
Knoxville, Tennessee • 1950s
1979
Adult
18+ years
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