Having recently engaged with the audiobook of Thomas Savage’s “The Power of the Dog,” I can confidently say this novel is a truly mind-blowing literary achievement. While drawn to it initially by curiosity about the film adaptation, I’m immensely glad I experienced the source material first. The audiobook, narrated by Chad Michael Collins, enhances the narrative with a perfect gravelly cowboy drawl and a nuanced range that brings each character to life, making the unexpected moments of beauty, hope, and tenderness all the more impactful. Clocking in at a taut 8 hours, the book proved so captivating that I found myself dedicating an entire day to listening, leaving even household chores like bathroom grouting sparkling.
“The Power of the Dog” masterfully blends elements of a psychological thriller with the insular setting of a working ranch, delving into complex themes of power, masculinity, love, cruelty, and unspoken desires. Set in the early 20th century American West, the story centers on the Burbank brothers, Phil and George, who own the largest ranch in a slowly fading rural landscape. George is the quiet, kind, and unassuming brother, a stark contrast to Phil, who is brilliant, confident, and relentlessly intolerant. Phil’s abrasive nature manifests in his deep-seated prejudice against women and anyone perceived as weak, particularly effeminate men, whom he derisively labels “sissies.” The fragile equilibrium of their lives is disrupted when George marries Rose, a gentle widow of an alcoholic doctor. Phil immediately targets Rose, subjecting her to a campaign of subtle yet sustained emotional abuse, aiming to drive her away. The situation escalates with the arrival of Rose’s sixteen-year-old son, Peter, a reserved and effeminate young man who embodies everything Phil despises. What unfolds is a complex interplay of power dynamics, a deeply unconventional love story, and an undercurrent of undeniable sensuality, all shadowed by a palpable sense of impending doom.
While the narrative is steeped in the harsh realities of the West, it becomes increasingly clear that Phil Burbank is a man deeply in the throes of repressed homosexuality. Savage’s portrayal of Phil as a homophobic homosexual, though potentially problematic in contemporary contexts, is a testament to the novel’s groundbreaking nature for its time of writing in 1967. In an era where discussing queer identities, especially within the hyper-masculine world of Westerns, was virtually unthinkable, Savage crafted a complex character study that resonates with profound psychological depth. The novel avoids overt exploration of queer desire, yet the undertones are undeniable, particularly in the poignant symbolism of the willow trees, which take on a new significance for the reader by the story’s end.
The true brilliance of “The Power of the Dog” lies in its exceptionally deep and deft character development. Even minor characters leave a lasting impression, enriching the narrative’s scope and providing context that prevents the story from becoming overwhelmingly insular. The tentative, tender, and hopeful relationship between the instinctively loving Rose and the steadfast George is particularly devastating as it buckles under Phil’s relentless scorn. Phil himself is a masterfully crafted portrait of both monster and tragedy. While his abuses are inexcusable—he is an abuser through and through, whose impact on those around him is toxic—it is impossible not to see him as a product of a world that fosters cruelty. His internal struggle is encapsulated in the heartbreaking line, “[Phil] had a hunch George hated sissies as much as he did.” This reveals Phil’s projection of his self-loathing onto others, despite George’s inherent kindness towards Peter, a kindness that the text suggests he may not even fully understand or acknowledge.
The audiobook experience, while deeply immersive, leaves the reader with a slight yearning for a more extended conclusion. The ending, while arguably fitting the narrative’s trajectory, feels somewhat abrupt. This isn’t necessarily a desire to linger on the tragic events, but rather a wish for a bit more closure, a testament to the reader’s deep investment in the characters’ fates. Nevertheless, “The Power of the Dog” remains an incredible book, highly recommended even for those who have seen the film, as the novel offers a far greater scope and a richer interior life for its characters. Thomas Savage’s exploration of the human psyche against the rugged backdrop of the American West is a powerful and unforgettable reading experience.
