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The Power of the Dog
Thomas Savage. Back Bay Books: 2001 (reprint edition). ISBN: 0316610895. 276 pages.
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About the Author
A page of detailed biographical information on Thomas Savage, including excerpts from interviews in which Savage interprets his own work.
Thomas Savage was born in 1915 in Salt Lake City. For the past five decades he has been producing novel after critically acclaimed novel, but most of us have never heard of this major American writer until now. Find out why by reading this section.
All in the Family
A synopsis of the literary traditions and genres with which The Power of the Dog is affiliated and a brief explanation of these connections, giving your book group the opportunity to understand Savage’s novel in a larger literary perspective.
Make no mistake: Savage is one of the great ones who belongs on your shelf next to other American talents like Faulkner, Morrison, Roth. Are “Western” writers, in general, somewhat in danger of being overlooked? Take a glimpse at this section to see what you think.
Character Tree
A list of major characters and their dominant characteristics and values, showing characters’ relationships to each other.
It’s a relatively small cast of characters, but oh! What a cast! Flip to this section to refresh your memory concerning the finer points of such masterful creations as Phil Burbank, Peter Gordon, and Bronco Henry.
Streams of Themes
A breakdown of potential major discussion themes in The Power of the Dog, including ways these themes are interconnected.
As the title suggests, it’s a dog-eat-dog world in Thomas Savage’s novel. You may remember the specific place in the book where this theme is most explicitly addressed and outlined, but we’re betting you may not have thought yet about the way that this image connects to all the other manifestations of the animal and natural world. Turn to this section to reflect.
Talk Back to the Critics
Excerpts of some major critical reviews of The Power of the Dog, from authoritative journals, newspapers, and magazines. We encourage your book group to enjoy the opportunity to argue with expert opinion.
Critics love Thomas Savage, but they don’t all love him for the same reasons. Go to this section to learn what critics of today and yesterday have to say about this novel.
Doorways to Discussion
A chronologically and thematically organized list of discussion questions, which function to explore, in a logical and thoughtful manner, the questions and possibilities that Savage’s novel evokes.
Is it possible to feel any sympathy for Savage’s anti-hero Phil Burbank? Is it possible to be on his side? We’ll help nudge you towards a host of other tough considerations in this question section.
Taste Test
A selection of other books on subjects similar to those in The Power of the Dog to consider for future book group meetings or for private reading.
Do you like hard-hitting literary fiction? Do you enjoy a great contemporary Western that breaks all the old rules? Visit this section for some intriguing reading ideas.
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