The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

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.

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.