The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Edgar Sawtelle, who was born deaf and solely speaks sign language, has a perfect existence on his parents' farm in a secluded part of northern Wisconsin. Edgar's longstanding buddy and ally, Almondine, represents the kind of considerate companionship that the Sawtelles have reared and trained for centuries. But when Edgar's paternal uncle Claude unexpectedly returns, the Sawtelles' once-calm household is engulfed in chaos. Following the unexpected death of Edgar's father, Claude becomes involved in both the farm's operations and Edgar's mother's affections.

Edgar, distraught and perplexed, attempts to demonstrate that Claude was responsible for his father's death, but his scheme backfires tragically. Edgar grows up in the outdoors, battling for his life and the survival of the three yearling dogs who follow him after being forced to leave into the wide wilderness that lies beyond the farm. However, Edgar's steadfast loyalty to the Sawtelle hounds and his need to confront his father's killer propel him closer to home.

Being a master storyteller, David Wroblewski crafts breathtaking scenes that create a compelling family saga, a brilliant exploration of the boundaries of language, and an irresistibly readable modern classic. Some of these scenes include the iconic American barn, the sweep of seasons, the elemental north woods, and a fateful vision rendered in the falling rain.