Frank Norris’s McTeague is a raw, powerful novel that feels more relevant than ever. Set in the rough-and-tumble Polk Street district of San Francisco in the 1890s, it follows the life of McTeague, a simple, physically strong dentist with a limited mind but a good heart. His life changes when he meets and marries Trina Sieppe, a delicate, somewhat prudish woman. Their modest happiness is shattered when Trina wins $5,000 in a lottery. Instead of bringing joy, the money becomes a curse.

The Story

The plot is a masterclass in building tension. At first, Trina’s win seems like a dream. But her relationship with the money becomes obsessive. She hoards it, refusing to spend even on necessities, while McTeague loses his dental practice due to jealous rivalries. As they sink into poverty, Trina clutches her gold coins tighter, and McTeague’s simple nature curdles into resentment and brutishness. Their love decays into a toxic battle of wills, fueled by greed and desperation. The story tracks their tragic downward spiral with an almost clinical detachment, making their fate feel inevitable and utterly devastating.

Why You Should Read It

This book grabbed me because it’s so brutally honest about human nature. Norris doesn’t give us heroes or villains, just flawed people crushed by circumstances they helped create. McTeague isn’t evil; he’s weak and confused. Trina isn’t cruel; she’s terrified and possessive. Their tragedy feels real because it’s built from small, believable choices. Norris’s writing is vivid—you can smell the ether in the dental parlour and feel the grime of Polk Street. He shows how environment and instinct can overpower good intentions, a theme that echoes in so much modern literature and film. It’s a challenging, often uncomfortable read, but it sticks with you.

Final Verdict

McTeague is perfect for readers who love character-driven tragedies and American naturalist fiction. If you appreciated the grim fate in Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy or the atmospheric tension of Stephen Crane’s work, you’ll find a lot to love here. It’s also great for anyone interested in the dark side of the American Dream—the idea that fortune can destroy as easily as it blesses. Be warned: it’s not a cheerful book. But if you’re ready for a story that’s gripping, thought-provoking, and unforgettable in its bleak power, this is a classic worth your time.