In 'The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,' a mute boy named Edgar lives on a farm in Wisconsin, where he finds solace in training a unique breed of dogs. When tragedy strikes his family, Edgar embarks on an adventurous journey to uncover the truth behind his father's death, grappling with loss, loyalty, and the power of communication. As he interacts with the dogs he raised, their bond deepens, revealing a profound connection between humans and animals. With a haunting blend of narrative and nature, the story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the search for identity. Can Edgar find his voice and seek justice in a world that feels increasingly silent?
By David Wroblewski
Published: 2008
"The silence between us is full of stories untold, echoing the deepest connections that bind our hearts in this world."
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.
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“The silence between us is full of stories untold, echoing the deepest connections that bind our hearts in this world.”
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
By David Wroblewski
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
David Wroblewski is an acclaimed American novelist known for his rich storytelling and profound character development. His debut novel, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," published in 2008, received widespread critical acclaim and was a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award. The novel, which weaves a coming-of-age tale with themes of communication and the bond between humans and dogs, has resonated with readers globally. Wroblewski's writing style is marked by its lyrical prose and deep emotional engagement, often exploring complex relationships and the intricacies of life in rural America. His subsequent work includes "The Echo Maker," further solidifying his reputation as a poignant and insightful writer.
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