There is so much to comment on from this novel that it's difficult
to know where to start. It's Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in a kennel;
it's a murder mystery and a ghost story; there's an element of the
supernatural and magic realism throughout; it's a coming-of-age
story set in America's geographic and historical heartland; it's so
infused with dogs that they even become the narrative center of
consciousness in a few chapters.
But none of that actually does justice to this generous, literary,
heartfelt text. The writing is remarkable, often bordering on
poetic. The story is fast-paced too, so much so that I finished the
last 150 pages in one sitting. For me, though, it was the human
touch that really resonated --the bond between dogs and their
people, the way families care for each other and sometimes let one
another down, and how strangers can enter one anothers' lives and
change everything from ordinary to extraordinary.
At times, in fact, the literary quality of the novel gets in the
way of how excellent the book really is. If you are familiar with
"Hamlet" you'll recognize the ghostly father scene, the Oedipal
issues and a "play within a play" unlike any other. The worst part
about the "Hamlet" parallel is knowing what an unhappy ending
Shakespeare's play promises, and hoping so much that Edgar doesn't
meet the same fate. The novel demands attention; often, I let my
mind wander --mostly to thoughts about my own dog-- and missed an
important sentence or phrase, having to go back later and discover
what I missed. Like all good poetry and integral writing, the
narrative demands something back from us.
In the end, though, THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE stands very well on
its own. Maybe the novel could've used a bit of editing but I
enjoyed the lush writing so much that I wouldn't omit a word. I'll
never forget Edgar and his family, and especially Almondine, Henry,
Essay, Tinder and Baboo.
If Sawtelle dogs were real, I'd be first in line to buy an entire
litter.
If you like dogs and love great writing, give this novel a chance
and stick with the longer, drawn-out parts. It's well worth reading
and Edgar's story will stay in your heart long after the final
page.