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The Power of the Dog

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The Power of the Dog

By: Thomas Savage, Annie Proulx - introduction
Narrated by: Chad Michael Collins, Annie Proulx
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

NOW THE WINNER OF THE 2022 BEST DIRECTOR OSCAR AND TWO 2022 BAFTA AWARDS

Discover Thomas Savage's dark poetic tale of a small town in early 20th-century America that inspired the new Jane Campion film.

Phil and George are brothers and joint owners of the biggest ranch in their Montana valley.

Phil is the bright one, George the plodder. Phil is tall and angular; George is stocky and silent. Phil is a brilliant chess player, a voracious reader, an eloquent storyteller; George learns slowly and devotes himself to the business. They sleep in the room they shared as boys, and so it has been for 40 years.

When George unexpectedly marries a young widow and brings her to live at the ranch, Phil begins a relentless campaign to destroy his brother's new wife. But he reckons without an unlikely protector.

From its visceral first paragraph to its devastating twist of an ending, The Power of the Dog will hold you in its grip.

©2016 Thomas Savage (P)2021 Penguin Audio Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller & Suspense Ranch Montana

Critic reviews

"With its echoes of East of Eden and Brokeback Mountain, this satisfyingly complex story deserves another shot at rounding up public admiration." (Guardian)
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this journey back to the old days in Cowboy Country. However, the journey around it's characters personality traits and flaws is relevant today.

Engaging read. Gripping from start

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Loved this book but felt so sad for Phil being gay and unhappy to mm v my boot

SADNESS

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I purchased this title purely off the back of publicity around the Netflix film. What a great listen, superb story. I’d read a description of the story as a psychological Western - and that it is. One of the few audiobooks I could easily have listened to in one go. Very enjoyable.

Dark story, fascinating, great performance

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A great book, subtle and intelligent. The film version for once is as memorable as the book - first time I’ve experienced that!

Good

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A wonderful, hidden gem that I am pleased has now been thrust into the spotlight after it was adapted in to film.

Wonderful.

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