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itismebruna's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Homophobia, and Misogyny
nikereadsbooks's review against another edition
4.25
This is not my usual kind of book so I was surprised a bit by how much I enjoyed it. I loved how it was focused on the characters, keeping the third point of view not only on George and Phil, but also adding other characters. Especially Phil's character was really interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, and Homophobia
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, and Antisemitism
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
mattybw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Book 1 of 2024
The Power of the Dog was a Christmas present from my Mum after I asked for some surprise books I wouldn't usually read. My friend Jonas (IG: @jonahreads) recommended this on his book Insta page as a 10/10 book, and so my Mum bought it without knowing anything more about it.
I loved reading this! I felt super smart reading it as well (lol) as it's not the usual kind of novel I read - more aimed at an adult audience than the usual LGBTQIA+ YA that my reading diet usually consists of. I also usually struggle with immersing myself in historical fiction, especially if the writing style is slightly archaic - it takes me longer to understand what the author is trying to convey properly, and so I get more restless. Because I managed to overcome both of these points (or rather thanks to this), I felt rewarded with this stunning and descriptive portrait of how themes like society, homosexuality and family could manifest themselves in early-20th century America.
My only bémol was the pace, but I think this was probably simply a personal taste, and I understand how this probably added to the intrigue and the character development.
I would firmly recommend this book to everyone - especially as I enjoyed it so much for a book I wouldn't usually read!
I loved reading this! I felt super smart reading it as well (lol) as it's not the usual kind of novel I read - more aimed at an adult audience than the usual LGBTQIA+ YA that my reading diet usually consists of. I also usually struggle with immersing myself in historical fiction, especially if the writing style is slightly archaic - it takes me longer to understand what the author is trying to convey properly, and so I get more restless. Because I managed to overcome both of these points (or rather thanks to this), I felt rewarded with this stunning and descriptive portrait of how themes like society, homosexuality and family could manifest themselves in early-20th century America.
My only bémol was the pace, but I think this was probably simply a personal taste, and I understand how this probably added to the intrigue and the character development.
I would firmly recommend this book to everyone - especially as I enjoyed it so much for a book I wouldn't usually read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism and Murder
rachel1106's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A dark Western about two very different brothers, with plot details about characters and the enviornment around them, as well as the enviornment that they create, that keeps one interested, engaged, and full of tense questions of what will happen. All main characters are worthy of discussion. The writing is superb.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexism, Suicide, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, and Classism
All is brief, there is mention of entrails and the resources of dead animals(hides, meat). You have to remember that this is a ranch. It's not a violent novel, but there are character thoughts of one thinking they're superior in the 1920s as a white man. Mild racism and sexism in those thoughts. Nothing too harsh, more so eye rolling. Author expresses these character flaws in a way that makes the reader aware that the character is the character, and it doesn't feel like the author is self imposing those thoughts into his character for the sake ofnecpressing himself, but telling a stoyr of the flaws to his character in the fictional world. It's not triggering. Suicide is apparent in this book, though. That's the most substantial element I would worry about when recommending. It's short, but unexpected, and the death is mentioned various times as it undoubtedly scars some other characters.farmpaws's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The heartbreak and dread of this story prowl around you for this entire book, staring out at you through Thomas Savage’s incredibly vivid descriptions. I’ve never smelt sagebrush, or been anywhere close to Montana, but I felt like I was on every page of this story. I could sit down at the table in the Burbank’s enormous house, and feel the silence crawl down my spine. Every inch of this was vividly alive, each character, especially Phil, felt so alive. It was stunning.
This book is a product of its time politics wise, but otherwise, I have no complaints. I only wish I could have lingered longer.
This book is a product of its time politics wise, but otherwise, I have no complaints. I only wish I could have lingered longer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Homophobia, Racism, Blood, and Antisemitism
This book starts with castrating a bull calf, and contains fairly detailed descriptions of butchering animals for food.violetturtledove's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was a great book, although for the most part i can't exactly say i enjoyed reading it. It's uncomfortable reading, the character of Phil is both intriguing and thoroughly hateable (in fact all of the characters are flawed and brilliantly observed). It's tense, and the narrative skips differently from one point of view or time to another (sometimes it goes from present to recollection, or jumps forward a month, without a clear indication in the text). This is a bit confusing, but also I think it keeps you hooked, wanting to know more.
Once you read the end you can suddenly look back at all the little hints and foreshadowing and then it hits you how clever the story really is
Once you read the end you can suddenly look back at all the little hints and foreshadowing and then it hits you how clever the story really is
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Bullying, and Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Colonisation
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Antisemitism
mia_merrill's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Suicide, and Alcohol
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Antisemitism, and Grief
Minor: Murder
cellyphane's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
After watching the movie, I became interested in reading the original text. It's tense and slower than I usually like but compelling. Each character didn't need to be likable to be interesting, and that's a huge strength in this novel. Savage explores masculinity in a variety of ways, and I was quite impressed at the level of commentary for other intersections. He is certainly deserving of more recognition in the general public.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Colonisation
Minor: Death
seamoonstone's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism