The Story of Edgar Sawtelle summary

The Beginning of Edgar Sawtelle

In The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski, we are introduced to Edgar, a mute boy born into a family that has selectively bred dogs for generations to create a unique, intelligent and empathetic breed. Edgar's parents, Gar and Trudy, run a successful kennel named Sawtelle, and Edgar grows up surrounded by these remarkable dogs.

Edgar's life takes a turn when his uncle, Claude, comes to stay with them. There is an immediate tension between Claude and Edgar's parents, and Edgar is suspicious of his uncle's intentions. However, his parents are unaware of Claude's manipulative nature and allow him to stay and work at the kennel.

The Tragic Turn of Events

One day, Gar, Edgar's father, unexpectedly dies in a suspicious accident, leaving Trudy, Edgar, and Claude to run the kennel together. Edgar is convinced that Claude is responsible for his father's death, but he has no way of proving it. His mother falls under Claude's influence, and Edgar feels increasingly isolated and powerless.

As the situation at the kennel grows increasingly volatile, Edgar decides to run away with three of the dogs. He escapes into the nearby forest, hoping to survive and find a way to clear his father's name. The dogs, who Edgar has trained from birth, prove to be his only companions and protectors in the wilderness.

Survival in the Wilderness

Edgar and the dogs manage to survive in the wild, and Edgar grows into a young man. He learns to communicate with the dogs through a complex sign language that his father had taught him. The dogs, in return, help him hunt and protect him from danger. Although Edgar misses his mother and yearns to return home, he is determined to stay away until he can prove his father's death was not an accident.

Meanwhile, back at the kennel, Claude's true nature is revealed, and he manipulates Trudy into marrying him. He also takes control of the kennel, exploiting the dogs and their unique abilities for his own gain. Claude's increasing cruelty and manipulation drive Trudy to despair, and she becomes increasingly isolated and dependent on him.

The Return and the Final Showdown

After years in the wilderness, Edgar finally decides to return home. He has a plan to expose Claude's true nature and clear his father's name. With the help of the dogs, Edgar sets up a series of events that lead to a dramatic and deadly showdown with Claude. In the end, Edgar's plan succeeds, and Claude's true nature is revealed to everyone.

Despite the dramatic events, the novel ends on a bittersweet note. Edgar's mother, Trudy, is left devastated by the truth about Claude, and Edgar is left to pick up the pieces of his shattered family. The novel concludes with Edgar taking control of the kennel and continuing his father's legacy of breeding the extraordinary Sawtelle dogs.

In Conclusion

In The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski weaves a gripping tale of family, betrayal, survival, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. The unique bond between Edgar and his dogs is at the heart of the story, and Wroblewski's vivid descriptions of the dogs' intelligence and loyalty make them as integral to the story as any human character. The novel is a compelling exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the lengths one will go to protect those they love.