The Power of the Dog

A Novel

By: Thomas Savage, Annie Proulx - afterword

Narrated by: Chad Michael Collins, Annie Proulx

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Now an Academy Award-winning Netflix film by Jane Campion, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst: Thomas Savage's acclaimed Western is "a pitch-perfect evocation of time and place" (Boston Globe) for fans of East of Eden and Brokeback Mountain.

Set in the wide-open spaces of the American West, The Power of the Dog is a stunning story of domestic tyranny, brutal masculinity, and thrilling defiance from one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in American literature. The novel tells the story of two brothers—one magnetic but cruel, the other gentle and quiet—and of the mother and son whose arrival on the brothers’ ranch shatters an already tenuous peace. From the novel’s startling first paragraph to its very last word, Thomas Savage’s voice—and the intense passion of his characters—holds listeners in thrall.

"Gripping and powerful...A work of literary art." —Annie Proulx, from her afterword

©2009 Thomas Savage (P)2021 Little, Brown & Company

Worth you time.

A very well written story that will transport you to life lived on a ranch. Though I enjoyed the movie the book is so much more and will fill in a lot gaps that time constraints would not allow on film. The reader, which can make or break an audiobook, is excellent.

Wow

Powerful and engaging presentation of a story of the West. An important read. Worth the effort.

Not to be missed

Inspired by the beautifully crafted movie by Jane Campion, I found this book to be even more wondrous.Annie Proulx’s marvelous afterword completes the picture.

If you watched the film…(SPOILERS)

Tight, taut, and beautiful. For those of you who watched the movie on Netflix there is a lot more to explore here. It was interesting to see through the eyes of many of the characters and explore areas that were not visited in the film. I hate to say it but the casting of the movie was so well done that I couldn’t not see the actor who played Peter when I read the book. Definitely a beautifully written story with a subtle and semi-complex method for explaining how Peter plots his revenge on Phil. Worth reading even if you saw the film. The writing alone is fulfilling.

The Best I've read in such a long time

I loved everything about this novel. A western with a twist. A slow burn with so much tension. Many connections and lots of clues and symbolism. Highly recommend. The movie with Benedict Cumberbatch is also fabulous. I'm glad I experienced both.

sniper dogs of war invade the open range

I'm not as perceptive as Phil nor as slow and deliberate as George. It was a book of impressions and feelings that cried out for interpretation and recognition. it was both brutal and sensitive at the same time contrasting sensitivity with practical hardcore reality. enlightening and discussing but captivating . make sure to listen to jAnnie Prouix afterward to better understand the significance of the story!

Gripping psychological drama

Wonderful evocation of the natural world and the human community, woven around a tense drama and complex characters. I didn't predict the denouement! Extremely well read.

Drama and tenderness all the way

This book is a work of poetry that embodies each level of human experience, Express with the intricacies and elegance of the English language. It is a majestic work of art and outstanding literature.o

Complex Characters

An intense read with many intertwining complex characters. A book I will read again to reveal the hidden details that I missed the first time.

Best Daily Deal Ever

What a powerful character study! Even before I listened to Annie Proulx's afterword, I knew I had just listened to one of the finest novels of The West ever written. The unraveling of this story, understated and subtle, stirs a full range of emotions in the reader-- love, caring, angst, anger, fear, and incredible tension. What a rare gem this book is. Thanks, Audible, for offering this masterfully-written piece of literature as a Daily Deal. This book should be required reading in high school English classes.