The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (SPOILERS!!)
I thought I'd start a thread on this book, since it's been so hyped as THE book of the summer. I just finished it yesterday, and have some thoughts on it:
***SPOILER ALERT!!!!*****************************
I liked the writing through out the book, especially the descriptions of the country side. I also liked reading about the Sawtelle dogs, and their abilities. And I thought Edgar was a very memorable character.
I DIDN'T like the way a few of the characters weren't fleshed out. We're never told what makes Claude tick; and why he kills Gar in the first place (money? Trudy? just plain evilness?). I also thought Glen was over-done to the point of not being very believable as a real character.
I HATED the ending. Not just that Edgar is killed (that I can live with, although it's sad), but that the truth is never revealed to Trudy or anyone else. So she goes on thinking that Edgar is maybe mentally imbalanced, and has no idea that Claude murdered both Gar and Edgar. If anything, in her mind Claude will probably be a hero since he went into the barn to help Edgar. Plus Glen will hate Edgar for blinding him and killing Dr. P, never realizing what really happened behind the whole story. That part of the ending infuriated me. And then that whole wrestling match between Trudy and Glen--good grief! The man is blind, Trudy can't just kick him where it hurts and get away from him? Such a contrived way to keep Trudy out of the picture while Edgar's in the barn. Then there's the Sawtelle dogs running off into the wilderness with Forte; most of those dogs will be dead within a year. Just a slapped on, unrealistic ending, IMO.
In all, I rated this book a 3/5 in my book journal.
For others who have read it, what are your thoughts on it? I've heard it referred to as a modern classic--do you agree or disagree?
Kelly
woodnymph2_gw
georgia_peach
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