The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski: A Review (Oprah’s Book Club)

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski is his first novel. Wroblewski grew up in a rural area of Wisconsin, not far from the Chequamegon National Forest where the novel is set. He earned an MFA from the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers.

This brief The Story of Edgar Sawtelle review gives the reader insight into what this book is about. This novel is of a family saga and it explores the deep and rooted connection between humans and dogs, and the power of fate through a boy’s journey into the wild.

Born mute, and speaking only in sign, the character Edgar Sawtelle lives with his parents on their farm in a remote area in northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles raised and trained a breed of dog that although fictional, comes to life in the companionship between Almondine, Edgar’s lifelong companion, and Edgar. Edgar and Almondine are able to communicate with one another in a way that Edgar’s parents are unable to do. When Claude, Edgar’s uncle, unexpectedly returns, turmoil unfolds and takes over the Sawtelle’s once-peaceful home. When Edgar’s father dies suddenly, Claude remains at the farm – and gains Edgar’s mother’s affections.

Stricken with grief and filled with shock, Edgar attempts to prove Claude had a role in his father’s death, but his plan backfires and he flees into the wilderness where he comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and for the three dogs who follow him. Edgar’s strong need to face his father’s murderer, and devotion to the dogs, Edgar ventures back home.