The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

by David Wroblewski
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 3383
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780061790973
  • Publisher: Harper
  • Published: 2009-04-21
  • Reviews: 3

Born mute, Edgar Sawtelle communicates only through sign language and lives a peaceful life on his family's dog training farm in remote Wisconsin. When tragedy strikes, he is forced to escape into the wilderness with three young pups, where he must struggle for survival and confront the harsh realities of his situation. /n/n As Edgar comes of age in the wild, he grapples with the choice of leaving his past behind forever or returning to reveal the terrible truth. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a riveting family saga that explores the limits of language and the bonds between humans and animals, destined to become a modern classic.

Reviews
Rated Reads · 2025-10-18
beautiful 4.50

The prose is beautifully crafted, evoking a strong sense of time and place. The writing is meticulous, with each line carefully constructed to enhance the narrative.

The reviewer is captivated by the exquisite prose, noting how each paragraph and line seems meticulously crafted. They appreciate the evocative descriptions that transport readers to the story's setting, creating a rich and immersive experience. The attention to detail in the writing is highlighted as a standout feature, making the novel a pleasure to read for its literary quality alone. The reviewer finds the language beautiful and the narrative deeply engaging.

Quick quotes

    Each paragraph and line was so clearly labored over by the author, to get it just right.

    It is beautiful prose, evocative of time and place.

    It cannot be read quickly; it demands to be savored.

Sam Still Reading · Sam · 2013-06-07
moving 3.50

The book is described as very serious and mature, with few moments of levity. The reviewer finds Edgar's struggles deeply moving and the content thought-provoking.

Sam finds this novel to be a very serious and mature work, with few opportunities for laughter or smiles. They are struck by the depth of Edgar's struggles and the serious tone of the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the mature themes explored throughout the story. While it may not be a light read, they find the content compelling and the character's journey deeply moving. Sam highlights the novel's ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought.

Quick quotes

    This is a very serious book.

    There's few opportunities for a laugh or even a smile.

    The content is quite mature and serious as Edgar struggles.

The Guardian · 2009-07-24
profound 4.00

The novel is seen as a parable on the dangers of genetic engineering, offering a profound exploration of human and animal relationships. It is praised for its depth and thematic richness.

This review highlights the novel's role as a cautionary tale about the hubris of genetic engineering. The reviewer appreciates how the story delves into the intricate bonds between humans and dogs, presenting a layered narrative that goes beyond a simple coming-of-age story. They find the themes compelling and the exploration of relationships both poignant and thought-provoking. The novel is seen as a significant work that challenges readers to reflect on broader ethical and emotional issues.

Quick quotes

    The novel serves as a parable on the hubris of genetic engineering.

    It is a profound exploration of the relationships between humans and animals.

    The story goes beyond a simple coming-of-age tale, offering a layered narrative.

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