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The "magnificant dogs" mentioned in this book are part of the Fortunate Fields breeding program.

"THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE"

By David Wroblewski
Ecco ($25.95)

  

 

David Wroblewski, too, has written a terrific novel wherein chance too often is the deciding factor. And even if you don't like it, you will be fascinated by the magnificent dogs and the complex system of their training created by the title character's family.

Not that there is any reason you would not like it. A debut novel such as this does not come along often. While its 562-page length may seem daunting, it is by no means wearisome and is necessary to its telling.

Edgar Sawtelle is the only child of Gar and Trudy Sawtelle, operators of a dog-breeding business in northern Wisconsin on the edge of the Chequamegon Forest, near where the author himself grew up.

Born mute in 1958, Edgar uses sign language not only with his parents but with the dogs, one of the many subtle paranormal and spooky elements that add to the attraction of the novel.

Obviously, he is not an ordinary boy and these are not ordinary dogs. The business was started by his late grandfather, John Sawtelle, whose principle of dog-breeding is nothing like that of standard breeders.

In a method continued by his son and grandson, John used mutts and strays -- dogs he simply liked for valuable characteristics he saw in them. Wroblewski so meticulously describes their training, designed to make them companions that not merely obey, but understand why they should obey.

It is a largely self-contained world with minimal interactions with the larger world beyond the farm and the nearby town of Mellen. Edgar has almost no life other than the farm and the dogs.

Still, it is a pleasant existence until, in the early 1970s when Edgar is about 14, his long-lost Uncle Claude -- his father's brother -- turns up. In fact, he made his first appearance, unidentified, in a creepy prologue set in South Korea in 1952 involving a mysterious, highly poisonous substance.

Echoes of this short prologue will resound again and again. There are many mysteries in this novel, and Claude is one of them. It is up to you to decide whether he is evil, amoral or simply badly bent.

With his entrance, the novel takes on its background theme of "Hamlet." Edgar's father dies under peculiar circumstances, his mother (think "Gertrude") takes up with his uncle (think "Claudius") and Edgar begins to suspect him of murder.

When Edgar accidentally becomes involved in the death of a friend of the family, he lights out in panic for the Chequamegon, accompanied by three dogs. The Chequamegon episode is the best of several really good extended scenes. In the last 100 pages or so, the plot ratchets up into a truly tension-filled thriller that, with "Hamlet" as the background, can only end in tragedy. Sad, perhaps, but the novel is what it must

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/book-reviews/the-story-of-edward-sawtelle-by-david-wroblewski-402106/#ixzz2XzyaIzoe

I read this a few years ago and it was fantastic.  I remember being thoroughly engrossed and not really wanting it to end.

I'd read it again, but I'm afraid I'd be 'disappointed' that it ended...again.    I've recommended it to a few people, but the 500+ pages have turned them off.  I keep saying that it's sooo worth it and once into it, they'll be glad they read it.  The friend that actually did read it, thanked me for suggesting it, LOL.

I also enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Dog's Purpose.  I don't recall them being quite as intricate as Edgar Sawtelle, but enjoyable and thought-provoking, nonetheless.

I've only read it once, may have a second go at it.  It's a long book but it goes fast. I love the "Art of Racing in the Rain". It is on my book shelf. Anyone who reads that one for the first time should have a box of kleenex handy. I haven't read "A Dog's Purpose". Will look for that one.

Blitzen - looks like A Dog's Purpose also has a sequel, A Dog's Journey.  Haven't read that one because I wasn't aware of it, but it's now on my to-read list.  I really enjoyed the first one.

I'll have to buy both now. We have 3 great used booksellers at our local flea market. I'm going to check them out this weekend.