Rating: 
Summary: Utterly hypnotic and fascinating
Review: I could not put this book down. This novel is written with an almost photographic realism on every page. I found it so involving that it seemed as if the author had conjured up an alternate reality which made perfect sense and was absolutely convincing in every detail. I am rarely taken in by novels. Their technique is usually too artificial for me to become involved in the lives of their one dimensional or totally self involved characters, and far fetched plots. Be forewarned that McTeague is not light entertainment but a hair raising experience, and reading it is akin to watching a terrible traffic accident take place in slow motion. I found it immensely engaging, admired its art, and thought that the basic truth it told about life was right on target. A great read and a minor work of art. If you enjoy the book, do not miss the 1925 von Stroheim movie (on video) "Greed" which is closely based on this book.
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Summary: A vivdly decriptive tragedy displaying naturalism
Review: Frank Norris's McTeague was a wonderfully decriptive novel, displaying the concepts of man vs. nature, man vs. man, and the animalistic intincts that have been inherited through evolution. I thought the overall novel was a literay allusion to great classic tragedys, such as Oedipus and Shakespere's Othello. Naturalism is the main concept of the novel. Through imagery, metaphors, and simlies, Norris displays the role of man in relation to nature. In Mcteague, the author seems to interpret all the evil with in man as a result of the animalistic intincts that have been inherted by evolution. In the early chapters, you find the "animal" in Mcteague is too strong for him to resist. "It was the battle, old as the world, wide as the world, the sudden panther leap of the animal, lips drawn, fangs aflash, hideous monstrous, not to be resisted...the better self that cries, that grips the monster; that fighhts to strangle it, to thrust ir down and back," (McTeague, page 21). Fate is also and issue in this novel. Norris portays the realtionship of Mcteague and Trina as "mates by chance," similar to those of animals. They were destined mates, a relationship that could not have been avoided even if they wanted to for it was fated that they be together. To me, fate and nature seem to be one in the same in this novel. They are the key factors, for all the crucial events that affect the lives of the characters. After reading this book, I could feel the clashing of creation vs. evolution. It was the typical tale of the tragic hero who starts off well and ends up at the bottom. The ending was spectacular. The reader is shown the concepts of man vs. nature and natural selection. I enjoyed the book becuase it had suspense, obsession, and tragedy.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable in its Detail; Entertaining
Review: Norris's "McTeague" is a wonderfully detailed account of the city of San Francisco in the early 20th century. His vivid descriptions placed me in the heart of the action of the novel: I could hear the trundling of the cable cars as they passed McTeague's "Dental Parlors"; I could feel the cool Pacific gusts on my face as McTeague fished near the the huge rocks to the west of Lincoln Park; I could smell the stale tobacco smoke and steaming beer as McTeague settled down to his afternoon snooze. If nothing else, "McTeague" is of historical importance. Norris makes a motion picture of San Francisco after the turn of the century and then shows it to the reader with words instead of pixels.The novel is captivating. As the novel progresses, the beast within McTeague continues to emerge. His evolution sets a trap, inviting you to anticipate his next move and compelling you to read on to see if you are right. Norris thrilled me with all the adrenaline-pumping gore--I was frightened and disgusted but powerless not to continue. The ironic fight-to-the-death ending, although unrealistic, is enjoyable as well.
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Summary: A book that gets better and better...
Review: The first time that I picked this book up, I felt as if it's just another long book full of extraneous and dull descriptions. However, the book gets real interesting real quick. It got to the point in which I did not want to put the book down. There are many surprises in the book that make it interesting. Residents of the Bay Area will like the references to the late nineteenth century way of life. The book not only talks about city life but it also delves into life in the mountains, mines and the Death Valley. Overall, this book is very enjoyable, right down to the very surprising ending...although I'm not too sure how appropiate it is...Check it out for yourself, even though it was an assignment, I really enjoyed it, and you will probably too, if you are anything like me...(i.e. a lazy college student...
Rating:
Summary: A contemporary American tragedy that draws you in.
Review: McTeague is a tragedy, though not quite on par with the Greek and Shakespearean tragedies, is certainly worthy of praise. The author does a splendid job of vibrantly describing settings and characters. The characters are ones that you feel for and sympathize with as they all have their own tragic situations. Norris takes you through a rollercoaster as the characters in the book each have their highs and lows. Ultimately, McTeague, is more than just a story about mid-19th century California, but rather of the darker side of man himself. The evil qualities of man, such as lust and greed, are depicted in the book as well as the consequences of such qualities. Although McTeague starts of slowly at first, the novel sucks you in quickly and doesn't let go.
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Summary: A novel portraying the ups and downs of living in the city
Review: McTeague does an excellent job of showing, with detailed description, the cyclical paths that life takes us through. The greedy characters find themselves in good fortunes one day, and down on their luck the next. As Nature chooses how McTeague will live his life, McTeague finds that he has no control over his destiny. Readers will discover how weak humans, even the strongest of men, are when standing toe to toe with the might of Nature, who conquers all.
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Summary: A good story of how the society corrupt an innocent man.
Review: Frank Norris explained in "Mcteague" how uncontrollable forces are crafting the characters' destinys. For example, Norris explained that Mcteague loved Triana less after Triana first kissed him as a natural rule of human relationship. Other examples are that Mcteague murdered his wife because he let the beast in him dominates, and Triana lived in poverty even though she has five thousand dollar because her strong uncontrollabe desire to save did not let her use the money. "McTeague" holds the readers' interest by having suspense and descriptive language. It is a fun book to read.
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Summary: A great book that readers can easily get involved in.
Review: This book gets better and better as you get deeper into the book. If you are sick of dull and hard to read books, then you should try reading this one. You may not even want to leave your seat as you try to finish this book in one sitting. Those who are familiar with urban neighborhoods should easily identify with the characters and the hardships they have to go through. But be warned that you might find it difficult to be apathetic as you read the book; sometimes you may find yourself very emotional. At other times, you may find yourself questioning your own values. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: a book of wonder
Review: This novel was really a thought-provoking book. A stirring example of Naturalism. It had a very realistic portrayal of the rise and fall of a simple-minded dentist and his frugal wife. The characters were very realistic and they didn't live a storybook life. I enjoyed the novel a lot.
Rating:
Summary: A noble experiment
Review: Though at first I didn't like the novel, or the style in which it was written, it grew on me, to the point where I was riveted to it by the end of the book. The book is one large experiment - establish a status quo, then add money and see what develops. Norris' writing is very direct, and pulls no punches - it is definitely a novel for the modern age. Recommended.
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