37 pages • 1 hour read
The Power of the Dog
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Book Brief
293
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1920s
1967
Adult
18+ years
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.
Dark
Gritty
Mysterious
Melancholic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
19,753 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
19,753 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
George Burbank
George Burbank
Phil's younger brother, George is a business-minded individual who manages the ranch operations and is marked by his kind and compassionate nature.
Rose Gordon/Burbank
Rose Gordon/Burbank
A resilient widow who marries George, Rose is a restaurant owner who brings a touch of color and warmth to the ranch's otherwise harsh environment.
Peter Gordon
Peter Gordon
Rose's son, Peter is a quiet and enigmatic character, aspiring to become a doctor, whose intelligence and self-assurance set him apart.
293
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1920s
1967
Adult
18+ years
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