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Average rating: 4/5

Based on 157 ratings

The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle

by DAVID WROBLEWSKI

Doubleday Canada | December 10, 2010 | Hardcover

A riveting family saga, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle explores the deep and ancient alliance between humans and dogs, and the power of fate through one boyâ??s epic journey into the wild.

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 companion. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelle's once-peaceful home. When Edgar's father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm â?? and into Edgar's motherâ??s affections.

Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father's death, but his plan backfires, spectacularly. Edgar flees into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm. He 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 fatherâ??s murderer, and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs, turn Edgar ever homeward.

Wroblewski is a master storyteller, and his breathtaking scenes â?? the elemental north woods, the sweep of seasons, an iconic American barn, a ghost made of falling rain â?? create a family saga that is at once a brilliantly inventive retelling of Hamlet, an exploration of the limits of language, and a compulsively readable modern classic.
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Rating: 4/5

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Pauline

3 years ago

Edgar Sawtelle is born unable to make a sound, but he is able to hear and see and has a great intellect and a way with words. Crosswords pose no challenge for Edgar who has a vast vocabulary, which is an oxymoron for someone born mute.

"The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski takes place on a dog breeding farm. Edgar helps his mother Trudy and his father Gar run the breeding program. Gar's goal is to breed the ultimate dog and he spends many hours recording the canine's pedigrees.

Claude the younger brother of Gar eventually makes an appearance and competiveness and strife and deep past events scar their relationship. Claude is in possession of a poison that gives him a power he is unable to let go of, even though it frightens him. Gar is murdered by Claude and no one is aware of this except for Edgar.

Trudy is devastated by the loss of Gar and Claude seems to replace him, much to Edgar's anguish. Edgar becomes involved in an unfortunate accident which leads to the death of the veterinarian and he flees home with three young dogs.

Edgar finds his way to Henry who shelters him and helps him become strong enough to return home. The return home is not a happy reunion and as in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" the ending of the book is tragic.

This story has shadows of "Hamlet" throughout it and it is an intriguing read. However, if you are not a big fan of the canine species this may not be the book for you. Having had a dog as a child I could relate to Edgar and understand the whole dog thing, but for those who have not had that experience all the dog parts may seem boring and long drawn out.

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