Good morning. Hope the sun is shining where you are. It will be here in NH today but right now it's below zero. The sun isn't very far away and I'm sitting in the lavender dawn.
I finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle Friday night around midnight then it took me about an hour to get to sleep because I just kept thinking about it. There is so much more to this story than just plot.
It reminds me of the begonia plant I have in my kitchen window. It's been taking its time to blossom: one flower opening slowly at a time, releasing it's beauty until now when the whole plant is covered in blooms.
The more I contemplate this novel, the more I get out of it. Take the names, for example. They play a major role since it was Edgar's job from the time he was little to find the perfect names for the dogs his family raises. He took it very seriously, combing the dictionary for words that would convey the pup' personalities.
And even Edgar's last name is significant: saw and tell. One we do with our eyes and the other with our mouths. Only, Edgar can't speak. He is mute although his hearing is fine.
On the back cover the book is described as part Hamlet and I couldn't help making comparisons. Hamlet's uncle is Claudius and Edgar's uncle is Claude. Hamlet's mom is Gertrude and Edgar's mom is Trudy.
Then there is the writing. I was so impressed with the simple yet fresh descriptions. All the words fit the character of Edgar so well. At one point as dusk approaches, he says that a few stars started volunteering. Surprising perfection!
I'm glad I took my time with this one to allow the treasures to present themselves one exquisite flower at a time.
6 comments:
I had to look out the window to be sure the sun was shining outside after reading the introduction to your post. :-) Sure enough, it is! It was very overcast yesterday. I do wish it would have rained, but I'm happy to see the sun today just the same.
I am glad you enjoyed The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. It is one I have been contemplating reading for some time now.
Have a great week, Linda!
Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much. It's wonderful when a book leaves you feeling like that isn't it. Great review by the way. I'm looking forward to reading this one now after your review of it.
What a beautifully written review.
I've been reading a lot about this book and put my name down for it at the library. But given the length of the list - and how much I want to read this, especially after your review - I think it might have to be my Christmas present to myself!
Thanks Linda.
Oh, this sounds like one my daughter would also enjoy reading and discussing with me over her college break. We both love dogs and theatre. In fact, she's a theatre major.
A friend suggested this book and loved it every bit...until the end. What did you think?
b
http://torristravels.blogspot.com
I've just started reading this book yesterday. Its been sitting on my shelf for months but I couldn't bring myself to read it yet because the size and weight of the book scared me! lol.
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