An history about Thomas Savage born in 1967 that now comes to us with that strange virulence of the most unexpected earthquakes. Once it might seem like a history of the deep United States, today it is rediscovered as a powerful narrative intimist, at least from the outset, which delves into that notion of the fraternal. An idea extended to any dilemma of consanguinity when nothing more than that, blood, seems to unite two people.
Cain and Abel, good and evil. George's living space is continually assaulted by a Phil who focuses all his frustrations on his brother. George makes stoicism survival. But of course, as George seems to get his life on track, Phil feels the sense of defeat even heavier.
When both brothers should have separated their paths, that indomitable sense of permanence in the homeland leads them to the bitter underground conflict always pointing to tragedy. And in real life, beyond biblical parables, things can happen without a moral to draw but as a mere exercise in survival.
Montana, 1924. Phil and George are brothers and partners, co-owners of the largest ranch in the valley. They ride together, transporting thousands of head of cattle, and continue to sleep in the room they had had as children, in the same bronze beds. Phil is tall and angular, George plump and unflappable. Phil is a luminarian and could have been anything he set his mind to, George is easy going and has no hobbies.
Phil likes to provoke, George lacks a sense of humor, but he wants to love and to be loved. When George marries Rose, a proud young widow with a quick smile, and brings her to live on the ranch, Phil begins a relentless campaign to destroy her. But the weakest are not always who you think.
You can now buy the novel «The power of the dog», by Thomas Savage, here: