Book Review: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

I discovered The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski in a moment of book sale serendipity. I love used book sales. For less than the cost of a latte, I enjoy hours of soul-restoring entertainment. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle was a 2008 Oprah’s Book Club selection and while I don’t always agree with her picks, this one was spot on.

Edgar Sawtelle, the main character, is a small mute boy who lives on a Wisconsin farm with his parents who raise a fictional breed of dog known only as, The Sawtelle Dogs. The breed is known for their size, an Alsation-like appearance, (almost wolf-like) and their unique ability to hold the human gaze.

Although Edgar communicates only in sign language, he ‘speaks’ to Almondine in thought much the same way we do with our own special dogs. She’s been his devoted companion since Edgar was a toddler and she’s a noble and intriguing main character in her own right.

Almondine is given her own voice with at least two chapters exclusively her own. Wroblews…