On a farm in northern Wisconsin, Edgar Sawtelle lives with his parents, Gar and Trudy.  Born mute he communicates in sign language, helping his parents with the work on the farm and with the breeding and training of the famous Sawtelle dogs, a fictional breed that was developed by his family and passed down through generations.  Although the Sawtelle breed is known for its loving and loyal nature, Edgar has developed a special bond with one of the dogs, Almondine and the two enjoy a way of communication and camaraderie that is unique.

Into Edgar’s idyllic and peaceful life comes Claude, his paternal uncle, whose plans for the farm are in conflict with his father’s causing loud arguments and simmering silences. When Edgar’s father suddenly dies, Claude takes on an even bigger role on the farm and seems to be developing an even closer relationship with his mother.  Convinced that Claude had something to do with his father’s death, Edgar comes up with a plan to try and prove it, but the plan backfires horribly and Edgar is forced to flee into the wilderness beyond the farm followed by three yearling dogs.

Unable to communicate, lost and alone, Edgar fights for his own survival and that of the dogs who follow him.  The unanswered questions about his father’s death and his desparate concern for his mother and the farm he loves however,, inevitably drag him back to where it started, making him confront the demons he has tried so hard to hide from.

Wroblewski takes “a boy and his dog” story to new levels in capturing the essence of that relationship with a knowing tenderness that seems true and real rather than sappy and trite. Written with an honesty and spareness that evokes the Midwest, there is a quiet lyricism in the words that makes this book enjoyable to read.

Brenda’s Rating: *****(5 Stars out of 5)

Recommend this Book to: Ken, Keith, Sharon, Marian and Lauren.

Book Study Worthy: Yes!

Read in Hardback.