The Octopus

Set against the backdrop of an 1880 land dispute in California, the novel explores the fierce struggle between wheat farmers and the Southern Pacific Railroad. As the railroad attempts to seize the farmers' land, a battle ensues, highlighting the clash between individual rights and corporate greed. This work serves as a poignant social and political critique of monopolistic power, revealing the devastating impact on ordinary lives. Part of an unfinished trilogy, it offers a detailed and realistic portrayal of the era's challenges, emphasizing the tragedy of unrestrained corporate influence.