The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski
For those of you who checked out the O Power blog from last week, we have the scoop!
Associated Press reports that several top book retailers are confirming that David Wroblewski’s The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is going to be the latest Oprah Book Club pick!
September 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am
The first 500 or so pages were well written, vivid, and exciting. The ending really sucked. Only the worst characteristics of the central players came out. How terribly predictable! Trudy was reduced to an ineffective shell; the Sherrif was not believable (someone with his eyes burning out could not have restrained a fit woman); Edgar, who had a many wonderful qualities to draw upon was portrayed as a compulsive re-creation of his dead father without the father’s compassion for his wife; and Claude–how could his motivation for killing Edgar be more shallow? Even the exceptional Sawtelle dogs- what a waste of fur!!! Besides, a pack of dogs wandering their way through the woods (along with 2 puppies) was Disneyish and their fate will be in a dogpound getting gassed. A waste of an exceptional set-up!!!!!
I’m sure there are those who said they liked the story but I bet they would have liked it better with a better ending where some redeeming values endured. Please, if and when a movie is made of this book- PLEASE write a more satisfactory ending.
As much as I enjoyed the first 500 plus pages, I have unrecommended it to a number of friends and family.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I agree with this review. I hated the ending and it depressed me for days after finishing the books. From the hype I thought the dogs would at least be smarter than Lassie but alas it was not the case. I was very disappointed with this book. I am surprised it made Oprah’s List except her choices often are sad books.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I disagree with the above reviews. Edgar’s death, though depressing, was cast in somewhat of a positive light by reuniting him with Almondine. And come on, Edgar can finally speak! Maybe it’s a bit Disney-esque, but it was the only way to show Edgar not suffering. The ending was dynamic, and Claude being the sole casualty of the fire would have been too predictable and unoriginal. I was kind of disappointed with the fate of Trudy, but I felt the bumbling of Glen provided a little comic relief. All in all this was a great book that for the most part exhibited the selfless relationship between boy and dog.