'Suttree' by Cormac McCarthy is a novel that follows Cornelius Suttree, a man who abandons his affluent family to live among outcasts along the Tennessee riverfront in Knoxville. The book delves into the episodic experiences of Suttree as he interacts with a variety of eccentric characters living on the fringes of society, showcasing a mix of tragedy and hope. McCarthy's writing style in 'Suttree' is described as dense, wordy, and filled with rich prose that vividly recreates the setting of Knoxville in the 1950s.

The novel is praised for its profound and surreal prose that transports the reader to the South, blending grim descriptions of poverty with punctuations of humor. It is noted for its depiction of Southern Gothic elements and the character of Cornelius Suttree, who leads a simple life as an impoverished fisherman amidst a cast of shady characters. The book is considered a must-read for fans of Southern literature, offering a unique exploration of societal outcasts and the complexities of human nature.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and multifaceted, representing societal outcasts and struggles with addiction, each contributing to Suttree's complex narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense and poetic, filled with long, descriptive sentences and a distinctly Southern Gothic feel, often blending humor with dark themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on Cornelius Suttree, who chooses a life of poverty on a houseboat in Knoxville, exploring his relationships with marginalized figures in an episodic fashion.

Setting:

The setting immerses readers in 1950s Knoxville, focusing on the Tennessee River and its surrounding decay, emphasizing the themes of poverty and alienation.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and episodic, with a lack of traditional plot structure, allowing for deep explorations of characters and moments.

Peering down into the water where the morning sun fashioned wheels of light, coronets fanwise in which lay trapped each twig, each grain of sediment, long flakes and blades of light in the dusty water...

Notes:

The story takes place in Knoxville, Tennessee, during the early 1950s.

Cornelius Suttree is the main character who chooses to live on a houseboat and abandon his affluent past.

Suttree survives by fishing in the polluted Tennessee River.

The narrative style is episodic, with many characters entering and leaving Suttree's life.

Suttree has a comedic tone despite its dark themes and depicts the lives of social outcasts.

The prose is described as dense and poetic, often requiring readers to look up complex vocabulary.

The book addresses themes of poverty, loss, and the search for meaning in a bleak environment.

McCarthy's writing lacks conventional punctuation and quotation marks, contributing to its unique style.

Dark humor is prevalent throughout the book, especially through the character Gene Harrogate.

The novel is semiautobiographical, reflecting McCarthy's own experiences living in poverty.

Suttree resonates with themes of alienation and existential reflection, portraying a world on the fringes of society.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Suttree include depictions of poverty, alcoholism, violence, and themes of death and existential despair, which may be distressing for some readers.

From The Publisher:

By the author of Blood Meridian and All the Pretty Horses, Suttree is the story of Cornelius Suttree, who has forsaken a life of privilege with his prominent family to live in a dilapidated houseboat on the Tennessee River near Knoxville. Remaining on the margins of the outcast community there-a brilliantly imagined collection of eccentrics, criminals, and squatters-he rises above the physical and human squalor with detachment, humor, and dignity.

Ratings (19)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (59):

Read It (19)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (32)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

mintbrownie

Liked It

7 months

Amazing writing, not my favorite McCarthy

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About the Author:

Cormac McCarthy is an American novelist, screenwriter, and playwright who has won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. A number of his works have been adapted into films, including All the Pretty…

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