A Boy and his Dog

Now that I’ve finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski, I’m not quite sure how to describe it. Certainly there are unmistakable elements of Hamlet: a father killed by an uncle who then immerses himself in the mother’s affections; a son driven mad by his father’s murder and the knowledge of who did it. But it is also a dog story, a family story, a “midwestern” and a very American saga.

Edgar is a sensitive boy born to loving parents on an idyllic farm where they raise a fictional and very special breed of dog called the Sawtelle dogs. Though he can hear perfectly, the new family quickly finds that their child cannot speak or even make any sound. Edgar and his parents develop a sign language that they use to communicate, but this disability soon becomes the least of their problems.

Edgar’s uncle, the black-sheep Claude, shows up after years of self-imposed exile. A short time later, Edgar discovers his father dead of an apparent stroke. But Edgar is sure that Claude has murdered his father and sets out to prove this, with unexpectedly horrific results. Edgar flees into the wild with only a pack of young dogs and his grief. In his journey, he finds both answers and more questions and must ultimately return to the farm to make things right. This being a saga, of course, you may not find a happy ending. Yet I found this brilliantly written novel satisfying, mesmerizing, and very affecting.

Oprah just chose this novel as her latest “Oprah’s Book club” pick. It’s quite a thick tome but perfect for those soon-to-come rainy afternoons of fall.

To find this book in the Library, go to our website at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Lori M.