The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle Set in rural Wisconsin, this novel follows Edgar Sawtelle, a mute boy born into a family of dog breeders known for their unique training methods and exceptional animals. The Sawtelle family business spans three generations on their remote farm, where they breed and train dogs with remarkable capabilities, developing their own distinct bloodline. Edgar, unable to speak but fluent in sign language, grows up deeply connected to the family's dogs - particularly his own companion, Almondine. His life revolves around learning the intricacies of dog breeding and training from his parents, Gar and Trudy, until his father's sudden death disrupts their careful routine and brings his uncle Claude back to the farm. The events that follow transform Edgar's world as he grapples with grief, suspicion, and the weight of preserving his family's legacy. This story, inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet, explores the bonds between humans and dogs, the complexities of communication, and the burden of inherited responsibility.

Readers praise the detailed portrayal of dog training and breeding, with many highlighting the authentic relationships between humans and animals. The rich descriptions of rural Wisconsin life and the author's prose style resonated with readers who enjoy literary fiction. Common criticisms focus on the slow pacing, particularly in the middle sections. Many readers found the 500+ page length excessive. A frequent complaint centers on the ending, which left readers frustrated and unsatisfied. Some noted the Hamlet parallel felt forced. Reader quote: "Beautiful writing about dogs and family, but needed better editing and a different ending" - Goodreads reviewer Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.62/5 (42,000+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (800+ ratings) Most negative reviews mention abandoning the book around the halfway mark. Positive reviews often come from readers who connect with the deep exploration of the human-canine bond.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck This multi-generational saga set in California's Salinas Valley shares themes of family inheritance, brotherhood, and moral complexity with Edgar Sawtelle.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein A narrative that explores the deep connection between humans and dogs through the perspective of a philosophical canine companion.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls Set in the Ozarks, this tale centers on a boy's relationship with his hunting dogs and the profound impact of loss on youth.

The Echo Maker by Richard Powers A Nebraska-set story that weaves together family relationships, mysterious circumstances, and the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.

Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata This work examines isolation in rural landscapes and the subtle complexities of human communication, mirroring Edgar's silent world.

🔍 The novel is Wroblewski's debut work, and it took him nearly ten years to complete, being published in 2008 after he started writing it in 1999. 🐕 The fictional dog breed in the novel, the "Sawtelle dogs," was inspired by real-life working dogs and the author's extensive research into canine behavior and training methods. 🎭 The book's parallel to Shakespeare's "Hamlet" extends to specific character correlations: Edgar represents Hamlet, Claude represents Claudius, and Almondine (Edgar's dog) represents Ophelia. 📖 The novel became an Oprah's Book Club selection in 2008 and went on to become a #1 New York Times bestseller, selling over 1 million copies. 🏠 The setting was inspired by Wroblewski's own upbringing in rural Wisconsin, where he lived on a dairy farm and developed a deep connection with the landscape that features prominently in the book.