I had heard so many great reviews in print, that I had to read this. It started off slowly, gained momentum *Spoiler* once Edgar runs away, but I hated the ending. It left me thinking "What was the point?" I would recommend this book to dog lovers, definitely, but more of a "borrow" than a "buy".

It appears that The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is subject to mixed reviews here. Those who loved it, I being one of them, were captivated by the characters and the movement of the plot. Those who remained unsatisfied upon finishing this novel seem to feel that nothing happened.

I, personally, disagree. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is essentially the story of Hamlet excet told...with dogs. Though I am not an avid fan of Shakespeare, I did quite enjoy Hamlet, and I felt that this story was a lovely reworking of the tale.

Really, to be brief, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle begins slowly - a funeral march kind of slow. It steadily picks up speed as you approach the hundred-page mark, and somewhere - around page two hundred or so - it begins to gallop away at an extraordinary pace.

it was a slow start but could not put it down once I passed the quarter mark

Being a Huge fan of dogs, I could hardly wait to start reading this book after receiving it as a gift.
The story line captivates, then lets down, goes no where and the characters lack in depth. I am half way through and am still waiting for something to take hold and make me want to keep reading.. It's a major struggle and I'm not sure if I'll make it to the end of the book.
The reviews, Oprah's pick etc... well... more hype than anything!. I will not be passing this book along to my dog lover friends .. off to the charity shop it will go!

I agree with Suzisunshine. It took everything I had to finish this book. The only reason I read it was because it was an Oprah pick. Learned my lesson there and haven't read one she has recommended since. Don't waste your time on this one. Very convoluted storyline that goes nowhere.

What was this about anyways? I found it hard to get through, convoluted with too many details which do not enhance the storyline. Didnt' know where the author was going most of the time. Not sure what the message was in this book but I'm sorry I didn't bail half way through.

This book is a saga about the Sawtelles and their exceptional dogs. Dogs not of a particular breed but bred for their qualities of obedience, loyalty and intelligence. Edgar was born to Trudy and Gar,as a mute. He learned sign language to communicate but he has grown up with the dogs and little outside contact. His father gives him his own litter to raise and train.

When Gar brings his brother, Claude into his home after his release from prison, the family is changed. Gar and Claude start to argue a lot and Edgar doesn't understand why. When Gar dies, Edgar knows he must learn everything that his grandfather and father knew about the dogs. But Claude is insinuating himself more and more into Edgar's and Trudy's lives. When Edgar tries to prove that Claude killed his father everything backfires and Edgar runs away.

This is a coming-of-age, a mystery, an animal and family story. The scenes from the wilderness that the author portrays are so very real. By far my favourite part of the book is the narration by Almondine, Edgar's faithful companion dog. These chapters are poignant and beautifully written.

You know, I can pretty much guarantee why this book went to become a top seller. It was because of Oprah and her obsession with her dogs. There is one section of the book where (without giving too much away) there is a touching moment between the boy and the dog he grew up with and I believe that ONE moment made the choice for Oprah. And of course there is no stopping the Oprah steam roller after that.
Every adult in the book is either misguided to the point of stupidity or pure evil including the parents, uncle, doctor and others characters. No redeeming message to this story. A huge disappointment.
The writer writes description very well and has clearly done the research regarding training dogs but so what- he had seven years to do it!. Beyond those two minimal characteristics the book did absolutely nothing for me. NoTHING.
Save Your money.

It took me a bit to get interested, however it wasn't long until I had trouble to put it down. I have done nothing for several days but read. Mr. Wroblewski's insight into the raising of dogs is profound. His writing style has you capture the emotions of his characters including the dogs. Highly recommended.