53 pages 1 hour read

Frank Norris

The Octopus: A Story of California

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1901

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Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Frank Norris's The Octopus delves into the exploitation of California wheat farmers by a powerful railroad monopoly. Critics praise its vivid depiction of economic struggles and the naturalistic writing style. However, some find its pacing uneven and character development lacking. Overall, it's valuable for its historical context and social critique.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Octopus?

Fans of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and McTeague by Frank Norris will be drawn to The Octopus. This novel appeals to readers interested in social justice, economic struggle, and the gritty realism of late 19th-century America. Norris's incisive portrayal of corruption and its impact on farmers offers a riveting historical perspective.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre
Historical Fiction
American Literature
Classic Fiction
Topics
Social Justice
Technology
Business / Economics
Period
Naturalism
Themes
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil
Values/Ideas: Fate
Values/Ideas: Literature