Few works have captured the seamy side of American urban life with such graphic immediacy as Frank Norris’ McTeague. Heredity and environment play the role of fate in this portrayal of human degradation in turn-of-the-century San Francisco.
McTeague, a successful but naive dentist, marries Trina, introduced to him by her cousin Marcus Schouler. When Trina wins $5,000 in a lottery, and increases the sum by shrewd investment, Schouler, who had wanted to marry Trina himself, feels cheated. In revenge, he exposes McTeague’s lack of diploma or license. Forbidden to practice, McTeague becomes surly, but the miserly Trina refuses to let him use her money, and they sink into poverty. What follows is a descent into the ultimate crime, murder, and life as a fugitive, in a tale that moves toward its harrowing conclusion with the grim power and inevitability of Classic tragedy.
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"I've read McTeague twice and it improves with age. In addition to the plot and the deep character portrayals , the sensuality of the writing in terms of smell,texture, temperature, taste,sight, sounds is absolutely captivating and haunting."
— Peter (5 out of 5 stars)
“Rank[s] among the few great novels produced in this country. McTeague [is] a revelation.”
— Literary World, 1899“Frank Norris has deliberately chosen his materials from the commonplace, but he has used them with power...Norris’ method is to picture this life from the outside, and he skillfully places the reader ni the attitude of the spectator throughout.”
— Recreation, 1899“The first great tragic portrait in America of an acquisitive society...One of the great works of the modern American imagination.”
— Alfred Kazin“The writing is easy and natural, the moral earnestness refreshing and the construction masterful.”
— Kenneth Rexroth“Wolfram Kandinsky’s razor-sharp narration leaves one eager to hear more of Norris’ few but outstanding productions as a novelist.”
— Library Journal" Bleak and twisted as hell. "
— Paul, 2/20/2014" This is the trials of a new marriage in turn of century san francisco it captures greed at its best and plays like a soap opera intriging characters i love it! "
— Don, 2/19/2014" From many years ago when I was an English major and all through my life, I have heard about Frank Norris' McTeague as "one of the great American novels," "a must-read for any educated reader," etc. Ok, so I finally read it. I found it quite depressing -- I wanted all of the despicable characters to die. I suppose that if I were reading it for a class and doing critical research and analyzing style and language, etc. etc., I would develop a greater appreciation. But, alas, I now read for enjoyment and I can't really say I enjoyed this one.... "
— MaryJean, 2/13/2014" How cruel we are to one another, "
— Pam, 2/2/2014" Being an English major, I had to read and critique this Frank Norris novel. It is revered as "one of the great American novels" but I couldn't get into it. I kept hoping someone would put these characters (and me) out of our collective misery. This is the brussell sprouts of literature, swallow it if you must but don't bother if you don't have to. "
— Nicole, 1/22/2014" Dentistry makes me uncomfortable at the best of times. And this book is definitely not about the best of times. Finger-munching, gross eugenics. "
— Giles, 1/19/2014" Hands down the best book about a dentist published in the same year my great grandfather was born. "
— Josh, 1/19/2014" What's not to like about a miserable turn of the century failed dentist? "
— Christian.scott, 1/16/2014" he's a dentist! what more can you ask for?? :) "
— Sarah, 1/14/2014" Didn't manage to finish it. Couldn't remember from night to night what I'd read before. Thankfully, got a plot sumamry at book club so I don't have to continue. "
— Marshaferz, 1/1/2014" Have you ever read a book about a Dentist? Maybe you should, it's good and definitely NOT drama free, with a couple murders, greed, and even a "high speed" chase, definitely an excellent read. "
— Kelsey, 12/22/2013Frank Norris (1870–1902), American novelist, was born in Chicago. He first studied art but turned to journalism; while a reporter he was involved in the Jameson raid in South Africa. Influenced by Zola, he was one of the first American naturalist writers, his major novel being McTeague (1899).
Wolfram Kandinsky (1940–1993) was a popular audiobook narrator whose career spanned the earliest days of commercial audiobooks. He was a familiar voice of the classics for millions of audiobook fans, and his résumé encorporated the greats of American literature, from Mark Twain to Saul Bellow.