The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
📘 About This Book
A tale reminiscent of "Hamlet" that also celebrates the alliance between humans and dogs follows speech-disabled Wisconsin youth Edgar, who bonds with three yearling canines and struggles to prove that his sinister uncle is responsible for his father's death.
📖 Summary
David Wroblewski's acclaimed 2009 novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, plunges readers into a rich and haunting narrative set on a remote Wisconsin farm. The sprawling 690-page work reimagines classic tragic themes through a uniquely American lens, focusing heavily on the profound alliance that exists between human beings and canines. At the heart of the story is Edgar Sawtelle, a speech-disabled youth who possesses an extraordinary gift for communicating and bonding with dogs. Raised on a generational farm dedicated to breeding and training an exceptional, intuitive line of dogs, Edgar finds his life upended by tragedy and suspicion when his father dies under mysterious and sinister circumstances. Following the sudden death, Edgar's sinister uncle steps into the vacuum, creating an atmosphere of dread and betrayal within the household. Driven by a deep sense of justice and a desperate need for the truth, Edgar struggles against insurmountable odds to prove that his uncle orchestrated the murder of his father. Along the way, he relies heavily on his silent, loyal companions—specifically three yearling canines with whom he shares an unbreakable bond. As Edgar attempts to expose the truth, he is forced to flee into the Wisconsin wilderness alongside his dogs, embarking on an epic journey of survival, maturation, and emotional reckoning. Wroblewski weaves a mesmerizing tale that explores familial corruption, grief, and the deep, communicative spaces that exist beyond spoken language. Through Edgar's silent perspective, the novel highlights how loyalty often transcends human speech, manifesting instead through physical presence, shared intuition, and fierce protection. The narrative brilliantly mirrors timeless elements of dramatic betrayal, placing a vulnerable yet resilient young protagonist at the center of a moral storm. Ultimately, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle stands as a towering work of contemporary fiction that examines the delicate, enduring ties binding people to the animals they love, the land they cultivate, and the dark secrets they attempt to bury.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Deeply explores the unique bond between humans and dogs
Engaging narrative reminiscent of classic theatrical tragedy
Richly detailed setting on a Wisconsin farm and wilderness
Compelling protagonist with a distinct perspective through his speech disability
⚠️ Cons
The substantial page count of 690 pages may feel slow-paced for some readers
Heavy, tragic themes might be overly somber for audiences seeking light entertainment
❓ FAQ
What is the main premise of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle? +
A speech-disabled Wisconsin youth named Edgar bonds with three dogs and tries to prove his sinister uncle killed his father.
Who wrote the book and when was it published? +
It was written by David Wroblewski and published in 2009.
How many pages long is the novel? +
The book spans 690 pages.
What classic story is the novel reminiscent of? +
The tale is reminiscent of Hamlet.
What role do dogs play in Edgar's life? +
Edgar shares a deep alliance with canines, particularly three yearlings, who aid and accompany him through his struggles.
