The Story of Edgar Sawtelle in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 03, 2012 Telly rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I stumbled upon this book by researching novels in rural settings. It had a lot of good reviews, but now I know why. I didn't find out until after I was about a quarter through it that it was an Oprah recommendation. I tried not to let that knowledge (negatively) influence my impression of the book, but I'm not sure if I was successful.

As I read the book, I realized this is a retelling of Hamlet set in rural Wisconsin that includes dogs as some of the characters. All in all, it was not a bad rea I stumbled upon this book by researching novels in rural settings. It had a lot of good reviews, but now I know why. I didn't find out until after I was about a quarter through it that it was an Oprah recommendation. I tried not to let that knowledge (negatively) influence my impression of the book, but I'm not sure if I was successful.

As I read the book, I realized this is a retelling of Hamlet set in rural Wisconsin that includes dogs as some of the characters. All in all, it was not a bad read, but the author beleaguered this reader with mundane descriptions that did nothing to advance the plot. This was especially grueling whenever the author got into descriptions about dog training and weather. I also was frustrated with the point-of-view. It was awkward at times; in fact, there was an entire section that suddenly shifts to second-person without rhyme or reason. It almost seems like that section was written for a creative writing class and somehow found its way into the book without any editors catching the POV error.

To sum it up, the first quarter of the book was interesting, if for only because of the interest of getting a feeling for rural Wisconsin and learning about the characters, though the author ultimately provides little to learn about them. The second quarter slows down drastically. The third quarter comes to a screeching halt with nothing more than descriptions of descriptions. I can imagine a lot of readers giving up on this book during those pages, but, suddenly, the book kicks into overdrive in the final pages. The action and reading was more intense there than anywhere else in the book -- but oh the sacrifice you pay for having to get to that point.

I often say that editors do not seem to be doing their jobs and allow writers to mire themselves, and their stories, down in mundane Michneresque details. It's unfortunate. This is yet another novel that could have been saved had someone convinced Wroblewski to cut out some of the tiresome meaninglessness. ...more

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Sep 22, 2010 Alyssa Erickson rated it liked it

A good story, but I lost interest about 2/3rds of the way through. Kept thinking I had better things to do than continue reading about a boy and his dogs....but I did finish, and I don't see what all the hype was about. Not my cup of tea. ...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Astrid Lim rated it it was ok

Shelves: bbi, animals, america, dramatic, family, book-club

I don't get it. I mean, I've read some books in Oprah's list and usually I pretty much agreed with her that the books were special. But this one? I'm not sure what's so good about it that it received praises from many critics. Well I love the dog training parts, so many new facts about dog breeding and culture. But! The other characters in the book? And the plot? What's the point? Even all the questions I had during the book didn't get the answers. Rural Wisconsin in the 70s - dog breeding - a m ...more

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Feb 19, 2009 Amy Nash Parker rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Few books have affected me this like one; however, I am still trying to come to terms with the ending.

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Jul 02, 2008 Jessica rated it really liked it

Shelves: borrowed-from-mom, midwest, homage, animals, coming-of-age

Beautifully written in many ways, particularly in the descriptions of the dogs, their behavior, and the ways we shape it. I went into the story knowing its ties to Hamlet, so the narrative is less surprising but still well done and a pleasing homage to the master dramatist. One of those books that's quiet but oddly forceful - kind of like a dog manipulating your hands for a pat on the head. ...more

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Oct 20, 2008 Susan rated it liked it

Took a while to get into this story - the second half of the book is much better than the first. Author is overly descriptive of scenery, emotions, etc. This book could have been 100 pages shorter and been just as good. Because dogs are involved, there are sad moments.

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