Overview of Sutri

Cormac McCarthy's novel Sutri centers on Cornelius Sartre, commonly known as Sut, who transitions from a privileged life to living among the outcasts of Knoxville. The novel is semi-autobiographical, having taken over two decades to write, and features a non-linear narrative style akin to classics like Ulysses and Huckleberry Finn. Sartre's journey reflects themes of societal alienation, as he interacts with various marginalized characters, including degenerates and prostitutes, exposing the struggles and complexities of life on the fringes. The depth of the novel is expressed through rich detail and contrasting elements, such as the juxtaposition of death against nature and the quest for meaning amidst a nihilistic backdrop.