The Story of Edgar Sawtelle | David Wroblewski | Cliff Note Books
“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski is a novel about a mute boy named Edgar Sawtelle who lives on a farm in Wisconsin with his parents, Trudy and Gar, and a pack of specially bred dogs that they train and sell. When Gar’s estranged brother Claude comes to visit, he becomes increasingly involved in the family’s affairs and Edgar begins to suspect that Claude may be responsible for his father’s death. As the tension between the family members grows, Edgar must find a way to protect himself and his dogs while also uncovering the truth about what happened to his father. Along the way, he is forced to confront the complicated relationships and secrets that have shaped his family’s history. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and the power of language and communication. “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski was published in 2008.
QUOTES
“Words, when combined with kindness or confidence, can be powerful enough to change the world.”
“The grief of those who are still alive is often forgotten in the glare of the grief of the newly bereaved.”
“There are some things in this world, child, that are simply beyond explanation. Do we question the workings of the sky? Do we query the manner of the sea’s ebb and flow? Or the way in which autumn leaves turn such a rich and fiery red? No, we accept these things as they are, because to do otherwise would be to question the very fabric of this universe.”
“For a moment he felt a wild hope: perhaps this was what death was like, the quietness of an eternal, dreamless sleep. But then he felt the damp ground beneath him, and heard the leaves rustling in the wind, and he knew that he was still alive.”
“I don’t know how it is that animals understand us, but they do, and in a way that humans can’t. They connect with us on a level that’s deeper than language, and that’s why they remain so important in our lives.”
AUTHOR
David Wroblewski is an American novelist and playwright, born in 1959 in Wisconsin, USA. He studied creative writing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers. Before becoming a writer, Wroblewski worked in a variety of jobs, including as a janitor, a tutor, and a software developer.
“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” was Wroblewski’s debut novel, published in 2008 to critical acclaim. The book became a New York Times Bestseller and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Prior to writing the novel, Wroblewski had worked as a software developer and a carpenter.
In addition to his writing, Wroblewski has also worked as a stage actor and playwright, and his plays have been produced in Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. He currently lives in Colorado with his partner and their dogs.
CRITICISMS
While “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” received widespread critical acclaim, there were also some criticisms of the book.
One criticism was that the novel was too long and slow-moving, with some reviewers feeling that it could have been condensed and tightened up. Others felt that the book was overly sentimental or melodramatic at times.
There were also some criticisms of the novel’s ending, with some reviewers feeling that it was too ambiguous or unsatisfying. Additionally, some readers felt that the portrayal of the dogs in the book was unrealistic or inaccurate, with some experts in dog behavior and training arguing that the dogs’ behavior did not reflect how real dogs would behave.
Despite these criticisms, the book remains highly regarded by many readers and critics, who praise its complex characters, vivid descriptions, and exploration of themes such as love, loyalty, and betrayal.
SUMMARIES
Chapter 1: The novel opens with a description of the Sawtelle family farm, where Edgar and his parents raise and train a special breed of dogs. Edgar is born mute, but has a deep connection with the dogs.
Chapter 2: As a young boy, Edgar is fascinated by language and spends hours studying the dictionary. He becomes increasingly aware of the complicated dynamics between his parents, Trudy and Gar, and begins to suspect that his uncle Claude, who is estranged from the family, may have been responsible for a fire that destroyed part of the farm.
Chapter 3: Edgar continues to grow and learn on the farm, spending much of his time with the dogs. He begins to train one of the dogs, Almondine, to be his loyal companion and helper.
Chapter 4: The novel introduces a key theme of the story: communication, or the lack thereof. Edgar struggles with his inability to speak, while his parents and uncle struggle with their own difficulties in expressing themselves.
Chapter 5: Claude comes to visit the Sawtelle family, and tensions begin to rise. Edgar becomes increasingly convinced that Claude is responsible for his father’s death.
Chapter 6: Gar’s death is confirmed, and the family is devastated. Trudy becomes increasingly dependent on alcohol, and Edgar tries to cope with his grief and confusion.
Chapter 7: As the summer progresses, Trudy and Claude become increasingly close, and Edgar becomes increasingly isolated. He becomes determined to prove that Claude is responsible for his father’s death.
Chapter 8: Edgar begins to have vivid dreams and visions, which he struggles to understand. He also discovers a secret room in the house that his father had kept hidden.
Chapter 9: Edgar runs away from home with Almondine and sets out on a journey to find the truth about his father’s death. Along the way, he meets a kind woman named Henry and begins to piece together the clues about what really happened.
Chapter 10: Edgar returns home and confronts Trudy and Claude, revealing the truth about what he has discovered. The novel ends with the family facing an uncertain future, as they attempt to come to terms with the past and find a way forward.
Chapter 11: Edgar struggles to come to terms with what he has learned about his father’s death, and tries to figure out what to do next. He is also grappling with his feelings for Henry, the woman he met on his journey.
Chapter 12: As Edgar continues to investigate his father’s death, he becomes more and more convinced that Claude is responsible. He begins to make plans to take action against his uncle.
Chapter 13: Edgar and Claude have a tense confrontation, and Edgar comes close to revealing what he knows. Meanwhile, Trudy continues to spiral out of control, and the dogs become increasingly agitated.
Chapter 14: As the tension on the farm builds, Edgar finds himself caught in the middle of a power struggle between Trudy and Claude. He tries to keep the dogs safe and navigate the complicated dynamics of his family.
Chapter 15: Edgar begins to work on a plan to expose Claude’s role in his father’s death. He becomes increasingly isolated, and struggles with his own sense of guilt and responsibility.
Chapter 16: Edgar takes a risky and dangerous step in his plan to confront Claude. He must navigate the emotional fallout of his actions and face the possibility of the truth being revealed.
Chapter 17: The novel delves deeper into the history of the Sawtelle family and the special breed of dogs they have been raising for generations. Edgar begins to understand the deeper significance of the dogs and their relationship with the family.
Chapter 18: The tension on the farm reaches a boiling point, and Edgar is forced to make a difficult decision about what to do next. He must confront his fears and find a way to protect the dogs and himself.
Chapter 19: Edgar sets his plan into motion, and the novel builds towards a dramatic and violent climax. The consequences of his actions are far-reaching and devastating.
Chapter 20: In the aftermath of the violent events on the farm, Edgar and the dogs must navigate a world that has been forever changed. The novel ends with a sense of hope and renewal, as Edgar begins to find a new sense of purpose and direction.
Chapter 21: In the aftermath of the violent events on the farm, Edgar struggles to come to terms with what has happened. He is wracked with guilt and grief, and must find a way to move forward.
Chapter 22: Edgar continues to work with the dogs, finding solace and comfort in their presence. He also begins to connect with a new friend, a woman named Glen.
Chapter 23: Edgar discovers a new purpose in training and caring for the dogs, and becomes increasingly skilled and passionate about his work. He also begins to uncover new information about his family’s history.
Chapter 24: Edgar embarks on a journey to find out more about his family’s past, and discovers a new sense of connection and meaning. He also begins to open himself up to new experiences and relationships.
Chapter 25: The novel explores the complex relationships between humans and dogs, and the powerful bond that can exist between them. Edgar continues to train and care for the dogs, and discovers new depths of compassion and understanding.
Chapter 26: As Edgar delves deeper into his family’s history, he begins to uncover dark secrets and long-buried truths. He must come to terms with the complicated legacy of his ancestors, and find a way to reconcile with the past.
Chapter 27: Edgar faces new challenges and struggles, as he tries to navigate the complicated dynamics of his family and his own emotions. He also begins to explore new possibilities in his relationship with Glen.
Chapter 28: The novel explores the themes of identity and belonging, as Edgar grapples with questions about who he is and where he comes from. He also continues to build a deeper connection with the dogs and his community.
Chapter 29: Edgar faces new dangers and challenges, as he must protect the dogs and his community from outside threats. He also discovers new depths of courage and resilience.
Chapter 30: The novel reaches a powerful and emotional conclusion, as Edgar confronts his past and embraces his future. The dogs play a key role in this process, providing comfort, guidance, and inspiration.
Chapter 31: Edgar faces new challenges and threats, as he must protect the dogs and his community from a dangerous group of outsiders. He also struggles with his own sense of guilt and responsibility.
Chapter 32: The novel explores the themes of loyalty and sacrifice, as Edgar and the dogs face new dangers and challenges. Edgar must make difficult choices and navigate complex emotional terrain.
Chapter 33: Edgar discovers new information about his family’s history, and begins to understand the complex web of relationships that has shaped his life. He also struggles with questions about the future and what lies ahead.
Chapter 34: The novel explores the idea of transformation and growth, as Edgar and the dogs navigate a changing world. Edgar must learn to adapt and evolve in order to protect the dogs and his community.
Chapter 35: As Edgar and the dogs face new threats and challenges, they are forced to confront their own mortality and the fragility of life. The novel explores the themes of loss, grief, and resilience.
Chapter 36: Edgar begins to uncover new information about his father’s death, and must confront the possibility of a conspiracy within his own family. He also struggles with his own sense of purpose and direction.
Chapter 37: Edgar makes a decision that will have far-reaching consequences, as he chooses to take action against those who have threatened the dogs and his community. The novel builds towards a dramatic and emotional conclusion.
Chapter 38: The novel reaches a powerful and moving climax, as Edgar and the dogs face their ultimate challenge. The consequences of their actions are far-reaching and devastating, but the novel also offers a sense of hope and renewal.
Chapter 39: Edgar must grapple with the aftermath of the violent events on the farm, and find a way to rebuild his life and his community. The novel explores the themes of healing, forgiveness, and redemption.
Chapter 40: The novel comes full circle, as Edgar reflects on his journey and the lessons he has learned. He also begins to look towards the future, and the possibility of new beginnings.