The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel
A small boy, born mute, who can communicate only in his own self-developed sign language, ventures into the world. Accompanied by his faithful dog, he embarks on an epic journey of life, love, trial, and tribulations.
Such is the premise of David Wroblewski’s novel. Edgar Sawtelle’s grandfather, an avid breeder of dogs, has created the Sawtelles, bred specifically to be obedient and enhance the more amiable qualities of man’s best friend. Unfortunately, human beings can boast no such selective breeding, and it is this stark contrast that forms the basic theme of the tale.
When Edgar’s Uncle Claude returns to the family farm, he wastes little time in insinuating himself into Edgar’s mothers’ affections.This brings a sense of turmoil to the otherwise peaceful Sawtelle family home. Edgar is less than impressed. He hatches a dastardly plan to prove Claude’s role in the death of his father.
The plan backfires, dramatically, and Edgar flees. He leaves the farm and escapes to the wilderness, accompanied by three of the family dogs.He finds he cannot stay away for long, and the pressing need to find his father’s murderer becomes ever stronger along with his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs he left behind.
The creation of Sawtelle’s world, the wilderness, the woods, the iconic barn in the middle of the woods, the ghost made of nothing but the falling rain, is vivid and exquisite. The comparison with the tale of Hamlet is inevitable, and if anything adds to the compulsive story-telling.
David Wroblewski has stated that he writes the books he wishes he could read. As an avid animal lover, he said that he wanted to examine the bond that humans form with their faithful companions, and how that would work if the human in question was unable to communicate with other humans on the same level.
There is a sense of justice lacking as the book heads towards its conclusion, which seems a little at odds with the general theme of the book, but it does not detract from the overall style and compulsion that the reader feels as you get through the story.
Highly recommended for those who like their imagery vivid and picturesque, or for those like me who like a really good story with exceptionally defined characters and a sense of realism.
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