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jaayraad_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading this. It’s a book that travelled with me when my Grandmother gave it to me last July to take down to my Mum, and then when we were back in NZ for Christmas, travelled with me across the Tasman. Where it sat in the cupboard for 6 months…
The Power of the Dog tells the story of Phil and George, who run the family ranch. One day George informs Phil he has married a widow with a son. And it becomes Phil’s mission to make her life hell on the ranch.
Phils plan works to an extend, with Rose feeling more and more uncomfortable at the ranch until she turns to alcohol to numb herself. When her son Peter, joins them at the ranch, Phil is beside himself with opportunities to make fun of Peter who he calls all manner of names behind his back.
There is a lot homosexual and homophobic subtext throughout the story, and a lot racism from Phil. I don’t know how this translates into the film and I’m not sure if it will carry across to the screen, even though the film had rave reviews.
The ending of the story took me by surprise, and was not at all what I expected. And it was such a good way to end the story.
The Power of the Dog tells the story of Phil and George, who run the family ranch. One day George informs Phil he has married a widow with a son. And it becomes Phil’s mission to make her life hell on the ranch.
Phils plan works to an extend, with Rose feeling more and more uncomfortable at the ranch until she turns to alcohol to numb herself. When her son Peter, joins them at the ranch, Phil is beside himself with opportunities to make fun of Peter who he calls all manner of names behind his back.
There is a lot homosexual and homophobic subtext throughout the story, and a lot racism from Phil. I don’t know how this translates into the film and I’m not sure if it will carry across to the screen, even though the film had rave reviews.
The ending of the story took me by surprise, and was not at all what I expected. And it was such a good way to end the story.
cadillaceazy's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
almastella's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ribcager's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Deliver my soul from the sword,
My darling from the power of the dog.”
One of these days you’ll get yours aplenty.
My darling from the power of the dog.”
One of these days you’ll get yours aplenty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Racism, Suicide, and Antisemitism
mvd81990's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
andersonstovall's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
nbmki's review against another edition
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
indoorswoman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cjeanne99's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I will probably return to this book - in print - in a few months. I missed a lot of nuance from the audio book - probably was the wrong book for me to listen to in AUgust when I have my annual reading slump. Annie Proulx’s afterword was very interesting. She pointed out events I had glossed over in my listening - that I think would have been better understood had I been reading.
At this point - I recommend the book - but not the audio version.
At this point - I recommend the book - but not the audio version.
liamkeith's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25