37 pages • 1 hour read
Thomas SavageThe Power of the Dog
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Western
Historical Fiction
LGBTQ
Addiction / Substance Abuse
History: U.S.
Identity: Masculinity
Identity: Sexuality