"Suttree" is a novel written by Cormac McCarthy, published in 1979. It tells the story of Cornelius Suttree, a man who has chosen to live a life of solitude and poverty along the banks of the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee, during the 1950s.
The novel follows Suttree's daily life as he navigates the fringes of society, encountering a cast of eccentric characters, misfits, and outcasts. Suttree himself is a flawed but sympathetic character, seeking freedom and self-discovery in a world that often seems hostile and unforgiving.
Throughout the novel, McCarthy explores themes of alienation, poverty, and the human condition. Suttree's interactions with the people he meets highlight the struggles and complexities of life on the margins. McCarthy's prose is known for its vivid and often darkly poetic descriptions, which paint a rich and atmospheric portrait of the world Suttree inhabits.
"Suttree" is considered one of McCarthy's early works and showcases many of the stylistic and thematic elements that have become hallmarks of his writing. While it may not be as well-known as some of his later novels, such as "Blood Meridian" or "The Road," "Suttree" is still highly regarded by fans of McCarthy's work for its lyrical prose and exploration of human nature.