Suttree

Suttree is a semi-autobiographical work by Cormac McCarthy that follows a man who abandons his life of privilege to live among eccentrics, criminals, and the impoverished in Knoxville. The novel is praised for its humor, compelling tapestry of life on the edge, and its imaginative flair, drawing comparisons to James Joyce's Ulysses. The character of Suttree wanders the river with a detachment and wry humor, encountering a broad cast of humanity as he faces dereliction and destitution. McCarthy's prose is described as hallucinatory and evangelical, showing readers the necessity of facing up to existence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

In this semi-autobiographical work, a man forsakes his life of privilege to immerse himself among eccentrics, criminals, and the impoverished of Knoxville. "Suttree" is a humorous, captivating tapestry of life on the edge, crafted by the renowned author Cormac McCarthy, known for his works such as "The Road" and "Blood Meridian."

"Suttree" possesses a humor that is reminiscent of Faulkner's gentle wryness, accompanied by a remarkable imaginative flair. The Times Literary Supplement praised it in 1951, stating that it contains a humor that is "Faulknerian in its gentle wryness, and a freakish imaginative flair."

Cornelius Suttree lives alone, exiled on a disintegrating houseboat on the wrong side of the Tennessee River. As the story begins, Suttree witnesses the police hauling the body of a suicidal man from the water. Among the living, the river serves as a home to hermits, sex workers, alcoholics, and a witch. Drawing inspiration from James Joyce's "Ulysses," Suttree embarks on a detached and wry journey along the river, encountering a diverse range of humanity. Even as dereliction and destitution threaten the remnants of his dignity, Suttree navigates through this unconventional world with a wry humor that is both poignant and disarming.

"Suttree" can be likened to a powerful, cathartic scream in the ear, offering a profound exploration of the human condition. It is a testament to McCarthy's exceptional prose, which takes on an almost biblical quality, eliciting a hallucinatory effect and conveying an evangelical power. Through his vivid portrayal of the darker human impulses, McCarthy challenges readers to face the realities of existence with courage and honesty.

Praise for Cormac McCarthy's works is widespread, with authors and critics alike recognizing his profound impact on literature. Anne Enright, author of "The Green Road" and "The Wren, The Wren," praised McCarthy's books for their terrifying and absolute nature, stating that his prose possesses an almost biblical quality, with a hallucinatory effect and an evangelical power. Stephen King, renowned for his works like "The Shining" and the "Dark Tower" series, acknowledged McCarthy's ability to present the darker human impulses in his rich prose, emphasizing the necessity of facing up to existence. Annie Proulx, author of "Brokeback Mountain," praised McCarthy's ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature, showcasing the importance of confronting the harsh realities of life.

In conclusion, "Suttree" is a remarkable semi-autobiographical work by Cormac McCarthy, offering a humorous and captivating exploration of life on the edge. Through its wry humor, imaginative flair, and profound portrayal of the human condition, it challenges readers to face the darker aspects of existence with courage and honesty. McCarthy's exceptional prose has left an indelible mark on literature, earning him widespread praise and recognition.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035039272