The Octopus: A Story of California

The Epic of the Wheat Series, Book 1

By: Frank Norris

Narrated by: John Lescault

Like the tentacles of an octopus, the railroad in California reached out across the state, grasping everything of value in the state. Based on the bloody Mussel Slough Tragedy - a conflict between wheat farmers and the Southern Pacific Railroad - The Octopus is a stunning novel chronicling the twilight of the frontier West. A depiction of the tensions between the railroad, the ranchers, and the ranchers’ League. The book emphasizes the control of “forces” - such as the power of railroad monopolies - over individuals. No one was truly innocent, as the farmers employed the same if not similar tactics as the monopolistic railroad companies, such as subversion, coercion, and violence.

©2004 Frank Norris (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Awesome!

An excellent story, as relevant today as when first published in 1901. The narrator, John Lescault, is superb! Highly recommended.

Dictation

The best book I’ve ever read. A true masterpiece the alliteration and storyline are unmatched.

Beautifully written but not for the faint of heart

Beautifully written & narrated, it is however one of bleakest novels imaginable. Depravity leads to misfortune, which becomes tragedy, which leads to irredeemable hopelessness. Like the octopus Mr. Norris will not be content until he devours our heart & souls