Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

This book was down in the corner "Little Library" box, so I pulled it out. The hype on the back cover promised intriguing, cerebral literature. The "Oprah's Book Club" stamp also sold it as worthy to carry home. Meh.

Edgar is a youth whose family raises dogs. They all have an uncanny ability to communicate with the dogs, and have perfected a breed that is intuitively tuned in to mankind in amazing ways. Yet this is all a little hazy and sci-fi, but interesting nonetheless. What could have been a fascinating read was darkened by murder, hatred, and anger in the characters. It was also a little vague and mysterious, or maybe I was too dense to pick up on the clues. I'm still not sure who murdered whom, but it made me sad. I'm taking it back to the box...

Still, I have to say, the characters were interesting, just not particularly likable. Edgar, though, was fascinating, and the story is told from his point of view. His inability to speak yet ability to communicate was interesting. And how he survived when he ran away was also interesting...but not particularly pleasant as he raided abandoned cabins and stole food, eventually landing with a loner who welcomed him in. Interesting yes, but I want to inhabit more pleasant environments!

And...the dogs loom large as fascinating characters...

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