
Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents and an unusual breed of dogs on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. But when tragedy strikes the Sawtelle family, Edgar flees to the surrounding wilderness. He comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him.
©2008 David Wroblewski; (P)2008 Recorded Books LLC
"I flat-out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle....Wonderful, mysterious, long, and satisfying." (Stephen King)
"This stunning debut....provides a classic coming-of-age story with an ironic twist." (Publishers Weekly)
"This book is unforgettable; overwhelmingly recommended." (Library Journal)
Richard Poe's cadenced full-throated performance lets us savor the language in this exquisite first novel about the Sawtelles, a family that slaved for generations to create a breed of super dogs. The point of view jumps from man to dog to baby, and Poe alters his tone tellingly at each transition. Edgar, the desperately awaited only child, is born mute. We first spot his "delicate pink hand" through the eyes of Almondine, the dog that will be his protector and beloved sibling. Enter the dread uncle. When Edgar's father dies mysteriously, Claude seeks to replace him on the farm--and in his mother's affections. After confronting his uncle and accidentally taking a life, Edgar is forced into exile in the woods with three of the special dogs. Poe's voice swells with passion, but he never, ever overplays a line. (c) AudioFile 2008
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