Perhaps the best literary voice this year is that of Edgar Sawtelle, a mute boy that lives with his parents in the north woods of Wisconsin, helping them to breed, raise and train a special breed of dogs. Edgar's world changes with the arrival of a prodigal uncle and a mysterious stray dog. Both trigger family secrets and the worst kind of sibling rivalry. Don’t be put off by the page count, Edgar’s journey is definitely worth taking.
— Sydne, Atlanta
“This beautifully written family saga is set on a farm in Wisconsin, where Edgar -- born mute -- and his family raise prize dogs. This idyllic setting is upended when Edgar's Uncle Claude returns home and their world begins to fall apart. This is a coming-of-age story, a mystery, an epic novel, and, most of all, a story about the mystical relationship humans have with animals. You won't find a better read.”
— Karen Schwettman, Fox Tale Books, New Durham, NH
“This story of a modern-day Hamlet, set in the northern woods of Wisconsin, reaches depths of emotion rare in any novel, much less a debut. Driven by powerful characters, particularly the mute Edgar and the amazing dog Almondine, this story of a family's destruction will resonate with readers long after completion.”
— Bill Cusumano, Nicola's Books, Ann Arbor, MI
“This beautifully written family saga is set on a farm in Wisconsin, where Edgar - born mute - and his family raise prize dogs. This idyllic setting is upended when Edgar's Uncle Claude returns home and their world begins to fall apart. This is a coming-of-age story,a mystery, an epic novel, and, most of all, a story about the mystical relationship humans have with animals. You won't find a better read.”
— Karen Schwettman, Fox Tale Books, New Durham, NH
David Wroblewski grew up in rural Wisconsin, not far from the Chequamegon National Forest where The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is set. He earned his master's degree from the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers and now lives in Colorado with his partner, the writer Kimberly McClintock, and their dog, Lola. This is his first novel.