num_pages: 566
description: Born mute speaking only in sign Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude Edgar's paternal uncle turmoil consumes the Sawtelles' once peaceful home. When Edgar's father dies suddenly Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farmand into Edgar's mother's affections. Grief-stricken and bewildered Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father's death but his plan backfiresspectacularly. Forced to flee into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm Edgar comes of age in the wild fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father's murderer and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs turn Edgar ever homeward. David Wroblewski is a master storyteller and his breathtaking scenesthe elemental north woods the sweep of seasons an iconic American barn a fateful vision rendered in the falling raincreate a riveting family saga a brilliant exploration of the limits of language and a compulsively readable modern classic.
language: English
title: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
publisher: Ecco