The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Stunning attempt at a first novel, ten years in the making

For a debut novel, this 562 page (hardcover) work is an amazing feat. No wonder it took the author a decade or more to write it.

A dog lover you don’t have to be, but an appreciation of our furry domesticated friends helps a little with sympathy and understanding of some of the characters in the book. Although 10 of 12 Book Club members “didn’t like the ending, not at all” (how does anyone make a ‘climax’ of a book last for 60 pages? … oh yes, by repeating the elements of the ending scene over and over. This reader thought the author had just run out of steam and couldn’t think of how to end the book.)

David Wroblewski has an amazing skill with language, often to the point where he over-describes every little point, in parts. In many areas the language is so rich that you are transported into another world. In others, you just wish he’d stop going on so, and get on with the story. Book Club determined that he needed a stronger editor, and this book could have been cut back by at least one third without ruining the character development, and to hold the readers’ interest – just to keep it moving along at a more consistent pace.

Some character development was clumsy, leaving an implausible impression – yes, fake. Others were brilliantly captivating, including the faithful Almondine. Yes, an American novel this is for sure, but a clever insight into the world of dog breeding and training, and living life in rural America on a dog farm. It lacks, thankfully, sentimentality.

In summary, it’s a good read but not a can’t-put-it-down one. The kind of book you would enjoy (mostly) but wouldn’t be compelled to hand over to your best friend to read. It’s a great cottage by the lake pastime.

… The scope of this book, its psychological insight and lyrical mastery, make it one of the best novels of the year, and a perfect, comforting joy of a book for summer.
— O Magazine

The most enchanting debut novel of the summer… this is a great, big, mesmerizing read, audaciously envisioned as classic Americana.… Pick up this book and expect to feel very, very reluctant to put it down.
— Janet Maslin, New York Times

Nothing quite compares to my experience of reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. This debut…. is one of the most stunning, elegant books I have ever read…. what can deservedly be called a great American novel.
— Lisa Jennifer Selzman, Houston Chronicle

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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