The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
‘I flat-out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I don’t re-read many books, because life is too short. I will be re-reading this one.’ Stephen King
An International Bestseller
Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life on his family’s farm in remote northern Wisconsin, where they raise and train an extraordinary breed of dog. But when tragedy mysteriously strikes, Edgar is forced to flee into the vast neighbouring wilderness, accompanied by three yearling dogs. He comes of age in the wild, struggling for survival, until the day Edgar is forced to choose between leaving forever and returning home to learn the truth behind what has happened.
Filled with breathtaking scenes – the elemental north woods, the sweep of seasons, an iconic barn, a fateful vision rendered in the falling rain – The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a meditation on the limits of language and what lies beyond, a brilliantly inventive retelling of an ancient story, and an epic tale of devotion, betrayal and courage.
”'I read it last summer and I could not stop … a true labour of love.” - Audrey Niffenegger, Guardian (Books of the Year)
”'[A] most enchanting debut novel. A great, big, mesmerising read. Pick up this book and expect to feel very, very reluctant to put it down.” - New York Times
”'An incredible journey that seems to have everything going for it; the beauty and flair of a great literary novel, the scale and pacing of a fantasy epic, and the absorbing thrill-ride of any glorious rites-of-passage adventure from our collective childhoods.” - Sunday Business Post
”'A big-hearted novel you can fall into, get lost in and finally emerge from reluctantly. Tender and suspenseful … grand and unforgettable.” - Washington Post
”'I flat-out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.” - Stephen King
'A mystery, a thriller, a ghost story, and a literary tour de force … an authentic epic' Los Angeles Times Book Review -
'Stately and expansive narrative. Wroblewski's story builds on foundations provided by past literature but has an originality all its own.' Nick Rennison, Sunday Times -
”'It must be the closest anyone came in 2008 to writing the 'Great American Novel'.” - Guardian (Books of the Year)