The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (Oprah Book Club Pick): A Novel

Overview

Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's paternal uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelles' once peaceful home. When Edgar's father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm--and into Edgar's mother's affections.

Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father's death, but his plan backfires--spectacularly. Forced to flee into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm, Edgar comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father's murderer and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs turn Edgar ever homeward.

David Wroblewski is a master storyteller, and his breathtaking scenes--the elemental north woods, the sweep of seasons, an iconic American barn, a fateful vision rendered in the falling rain--create a riveting family saga, a brilliant exploration of the limits of language, and a compulsively readable modern classic.

Editorial Reviews

A literary thriller with commercial legs, this stunning debut is bound to be a bestseller. In the backwoods of Wisconsin, the Sawtelle family-Gar, Trudy and their young son, Edgar-carry on the family business of breeding and training dogs. Edgar, born mute, has developed a special relationship and a unique means of communicating with Almondine, one of the Sawtelle dogs, a fictional breed distinguished by personality, temperament and the dogs' ability to intuit commands and to make decisions. Raising them is an arduous life, but a satisfying one for the family until Gar's brother, Claude, a mystifying mixture of charm and menace, arrives. When Gar unexpectedly dies, mute Edgar cannot summon help via the telephone. His guilt and grief give way to the realization that his father was murdered; here, the resemblance to Hamlet resonates. After another gut-wrenching tragedy, Edgar goes on the run, accompanied by three loyal dogs. His quest for safety and succor provides a classic coming-of-age story with an ironic twist. Sustained by a momentum that has the crushing inevitability of fate, the propulsive narrative will have readers sucked in all the way through the breathtaking final scenes. (June) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Author Information

Bio of David Wroblewski

David Wroblewski grew up in rural Wisconsin, not far from the Chequamegon National Forest where The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is set. He earned his master's degree from the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers and now lives in Colorado with his partner, the writer Kimberly McClintock, and their dog, Lola. This is his first novel.

Customer Reviews

• Edgar Sawtelle

  Posted September 27, 2008 by avidreader, tampa, florida

  For anyone who has ever had a beloved pet this book rocks. For a first time writer this man has put together an absolutley moving and emotional book. If you have ever picked up any new author and were disappointed in his or her style you know what I mean.
  I hope Hollywood picks up the rights to it and makes this into a movie. I could not put my reader down after I downloaded it. I have noticed from experience if a book does'nt "grab me" in the first few pages I lose any interest and cant continue, but this book did it the right away. I had to put my Reader down and not read for a few days, ( I wont give away any details) after an especially sad part.

• The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

  Posted October 07, 2008 by scarlett, West Hills, CA

  This is clearly the best book I've read in a long time. The writer's style is like floating in a gentle river and being carried along through the beautiful and treacherous world of his story. The insights into the interaction of dogs and humans are wonderful and then have them echo Shakespeare's Hamlet is a delightful surprise. This is definitely a must read book.

• TERRIFIC

  Posted November 26, 2008 by Michael, Los Angeles

  A lot of books can catch your interest and then lose you around chapter 7 or 8. This book will keep your interested from cover to cover. I would have to say that this book is definitely one that will move you. One of the best books I have read and I would consider myself an avid reader. For anyone who has lost a loved one, you will definitely have some emotions brewing.

• Not worth the time

  Posted December 22, 2008 by Terry Morrison, Centreville

  If you don't like dogs, it really is a waste of time to read this long, long, book. The ending could have been much better, but not being a dog lover I missed the point.

• Overated Letdown

  Posted January 07, 2009 by Ray, Buffalo

  This was an extremely well-written, poorly plotted book. You fall in love with the characters and Mr. Wroblewski sees fit to destroy nearly every one of them by the end. There seems to be no redemption, no higher purpose for such a devastation. An absolutely horrible book. I heard it took him years to write this book. He should have taken longer. If you like animals do not waste your time. Mr. Wroblewski crafts such a caring nuanced portrait of these special dogs and the boy and then smashes it all to the ground. This book was way over-hyped.

• Good Read, Especially for Dog Lovers

  Posted February 05, 2009 by Nancy, West Chester, PA

  I liked the book very much, particularly the insight into the dogs' psyche and Edgar's relationship with them. It is very well written and I find Wroblewski to be a skilled and descriptive writer. There were elements to the story that I didn't like, but that's part of the book. I think dog lovers in particular will enjoy the book.

• Interesting story

  Posted February 11, 2009 by LLJ, Hudson-WI

  Though very different from the type of books I normally read, I really enjoyed Edgar Sawtelle. It helps to be a dog lover since so much time is devoted to the care, training

• Don't get all the hype about this book..

  Posted February 26, 2009 by Angie, Floresville

  I read this do to Oprah's recommendation and hype that it will be a classic of our time. Well, I thought the book was OK, but not all that exciting. Actually, some chapters were quite long and drawn out. The ending was a disappointment as well. I guess you have to be a total dog fanatic to love this book.

• Excellent

  Posted April 06, 2009 by Ms. Reader, Chino Hills

  This is one of the best books I've read. It has it all. Would make a great movie.

• Very enjoyable book

  Posted April 08, 2009 by dwr, New Jersey

  Took to the book very quickly. Held my interest cover to cover. Heartwarming story. Good read, was sorry it ended.

• Worth reading

  Posted April 29, 2009 by Karen , Kenosha, WI

  I loved the book but hated the ending.

• One of the best books that I have ever read..

  Posted May 15, 2009 by Levy Prowler, Mooresville,NC

  Loved this book from beginning to the end. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next. Wroblewski is a master at painting pictures with words. This one is a 5 ***** for sure.

• Great book, disappointing ending.

  Posted May 18, 2009 by Kristi, Raleigh

  I was quickly drawn into this book and couldn't put it down for hours at a time. I loved the way the author was able to paint a picture through his gifted way of describing a scene or an emotion.
  
  I had not read many reviews for this book, so when I got to the end I was shocked and wholly disappointed. I read the final sentence and felt angry that I had spent so much time reading a book that in the end offered no validation and little purpose.

Additional Info

Imprint

Ecco

Filesize

1.39 MB

Number of Pages

660

eBook ISBN

9780061662980