But I had to learn what happened to the brave, angry, clever, loving, mute, threatened 15 year old Edgar. His family lives a pastoral but hard working life in Wisconsin where they raise “Sawtelle Dogs,” a breed developed for loyalty, strength and intelligence.
Edgar’s relationship with his dog Almondine has a depth and beauty that evokes Herriot, Kipling and Shakespeare. When he leaves home with three young dogs the story becomes a believable and absorbing adventure.
The tale left me dying to know what happened before and what happens after. Though there is villainy and tragedy, Wroblewski treats his characters and his readers with compassion.
This may be the Great American Novel. I hope it is the first of many from this author. Dog lovers will be overwhelmed by it, and lovers of great writing will take joy in it.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (2009) by David Wroblewski is published by Ecco and is available at amazon.com.
