This is a "coming of age" type story with elements of the epic quest or hero's journey mixed in. Mostly about training dogs on the surface, with a mute child as the lead character. It's his story, except when the dogs are on stage. The writing is very smooth and reminds on of other writers in style and substance. Not overly challenging for the average reader. I was not happy with the ending, it feels like there is or should be a sequel. This is an Oprah summer pick, and it does make a good summer book., but I want more.

A great book for discussion.

This was a beautifully written story about a family who are confronted with evil. The family's love for each other is inspiring and the clever use side story about dog breeding and training was delightful. Many parallels to Hamlet and it was fun to review the play after reading the book. Great book for discussion.

The book was very interesting on all levels: family, mute boy, dogs, community. I felt it kept getting darker and darker as the book went on. I had to finish it, but at some points I was going to just put it down. I couldn't find a redeeming point for the darkness. I don't recommend it to people because of the darkness. I like being challenged to look at things different ways, to learn, etc. I did not like being depressed at the end of a book, which I was with TSOES.

Loved this book about a boy, a dysfunctional family, and the wonderful Sawtelle dogs. I was fascinated by the dogs as much as the story of the boy. Very clever story and very well written. I loved it until the last chapter. The ending was a letdown.

“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel” by David Wroblewski

“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” is a novel for the serious open-minded reader. While this novel entertains and enthralls, it also provokes thought and elicits emotion. This is one deep and powerful story of choice and consequence.

This is the debut novel of Mr. Wroblewski, and his prose is spare as he writes with an understated elegance. I believe him to be a master storyteller who has a gift for seducing his reader into the bewildering world of Edgar Sawtelle, the young mute hero of this poignant tale.

The novel takes a peek into the human heart and all its mysteries. It also explores the canine world and all its wonder. The story realizes the importance of communication and how we try to articulate that which is impossible to convey through language. It then becomes necessary for facial expressions, body gestures, eye contact, and actions to speak for us.

Many have compared this brilliant novel to “Hamlet” and I agree with this analogy. This book will stay in my heart and in my mind for a long, long while. So, if you are looking for a book that moves you emotionally, Get it! Read it!
from my book bagg briefs @ www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm

Parts of this were OK, and I thought it would make for a good discussion, but in the end, all we could talk about was the end. It was very disappointing, and yes, we knew the story it was following, but we felt very let down, like we had invested so much in the characters and story, only to feel like it was a waste. And I don't mean just the very end. The whole last 25% or so seemed pointless.

I found it hard to put down.....and as we gathered at our book club meeting.....everyone found this book mesmerizing and hope that Steven Spielberg makes it into a movie. Now we know why Oprah picked it!
Theresa

Over half of this book could have been eliminated, story drug on

Long drawn out novel often depressing and gloomy, a real struggle to finish and then an awful ending.

I liked the book and I thought it got better as the story went on. I did think the author made it longer than it should have been and I HATED the ending!