Helpful Score: 23
I was so excited to read this book after hearing all of the spectacular reviews. However, I found myself incredibly disappointed. The plot is muddy and plodding, the writing is far from interesting, and the characters are so boring that, by the time I was halfway through this book, I couldn't have possibly cared less whether any of them lived to the end or what they did on the way there. I honestly do not understand the hype over this book at all. I've read hundreds of books that were far more interesting, engaging and memorable. This was a huge, huge disappointment. Hours of my life I will never get back....
Helpful Score: 15
I absolutely loved this book. The writing is beautiful and incredibly insightful. The author drew me in so much so that I felt I was part of the story. Yes, the ending is rather abrupt, and it left me wishing it turned out another way, but after thinking about it for some time and rereading the last two chapters, I've come to understand and accept it. Again, loved the book.
Helpful Score: 13
I did not love this book like so many others that I have heard. It was just okay. I found it so filled with details and long meandering asides that it became a distraction. I like the general story, but I think it could have been told in half the pages. I found myself skimming at certain points, which I rarely ever do. This book did not keep me eager to know what happens next, by the end I just wanted to finish so it would be over. I did find the chapters from Almondine's perspective beautifully described.
Helpful Score: 10
I couldnt wait to get my hands on this book and it started out great, engrossing......then it went on and on and on and the end was just uncalled for depressing and made me feel like I had wasted my time reading it! I can read the newspaper if I want to be depressed. This is the last time I am going to be burned by investing in "Oprah's" bok suggestions - We oblviously dont see eye to eye.I am also a dog lover and even part that got boring.
Helpful Score: 9
I was thoroughly enjoying this book in the beginning. The story revolved around a small but engaging family unit that was wholly caught up in their dog breeding business. The relationship between the mother and father and their child, and the relationships with the dogs were heartwarming and interesting. Spoiler alert - don't read on if you don't want information about the direction in which this story turns.
I was incredibly disappointed when the clunky references to "Hamlet" began appearing. I felt totally let down, and as I read the book found myself not caught up in the story as I had been in the beginning, but rather searching for Hamlet parallels, which were abundant and, in my opinion, inelegant. This writer has a true gift for storytelling, and I think he could have made this book something more. I will read books by him again, if he writes them, but I cannot recommend this book.
I was incredibly disappointed when the clunky references to "Hamlet" began appearing. I felt totally let down, and as I read the book found myself not caught up in the story as I had been in the beginning, but rather searching for Hamlet parallels, which were abundant and, in my opinion, inelegant. This writer has a true gift for storytelling, and I think he could have made this book something more. I will read books by him again, if he writes them, but I cannot recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 8
After reading close to 600 pages I was disappointed in this story. Alot of what was written could have been accomplished much more succinctly. As a tdog lover I enjoyed the technical aspects but after a while it became very repetative. The ending was very abrupt and I finished feeling that I had wasted my time with this book.
Helpful Score: 7
I finished reading this book a few weeks ago, but needed some time to mull it over. Let me start with WOW! Coming off a string of mediocre reads, I was thrilled to be sucked in right from the start like dust bunnies up a Kirby (sorry Electroluxers and Hooverites). Just like that, I found myself caring for Edgar and his family. After realizing how drawn in I was, I started to think about what sleight of pen could have held me so spellbound and I still dont know. I mean the writing is certainly worthy, but something more turned this onto one of those hold dinner and the dishes, everybody fend for themselves kind of reads for me. Please be warned: this is a 5 tissue read and if you, like me, have a 14 year old and 4 legged family members of the canine persuasion, you just might need the whole box!
Helpful Score: 7
I couldn't put this book down in the beginning, about 1/2 way through I completely lost interest and it was a struggle to finish it. It just got too far out there for me. I understand it was a struggle between good and evil but the end made no sense to me at all.
Helpful Score: 6
Well my sister loved it! She is a big dog fan and has a husband who bred puppies. I suspect if you are a big dog lover you will love this book. She thought it would be a classic.
I thought it was an okay read. I don't see classic potential. I found myself bored in the book with the routine of a dog breeders life. Interesting and educational but boring to me. The part I enjoyed the most was when Edgar leaves and fends for himself with his dogs loyally following. It has some sad and heartwretching times especially with his favorite dog.
If you love dogs you will definetly love this book. It will be relateable to you. I thought it was a worthwhile read but not a book I would highly recommend.
book2bed
I thought it was an okay read. I don't see classic potential. I found myself bored in the book with the routine of a dog breeders life. Interesting and educational but boring to me. The part I enjoyed the most was when Edgar leaves and fends for himself with his dogs loyally following. It has some sad and heartwretching times especially with his favorite dog.
If you love dogs you will definetly love this book. It will be relateable to you. I thought it was a worthwhile read but not a book I would highly recommend.
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Helpful Score: 6
I was engrossed for the first half of this book. It was all I could think about until I actually got my hands on it again to steal a moment to read it. The second half begins ok yet drones on a bit. Then the ending is disjointed and greatly disapoints.
Helpful Score: 6
This selection was chosen for our book club and everyone was excited about reading it, as it had been a popular and talked about book for quite some time now. The book immediately drew me in. I enjoyed the characters, liked the plot, found the writing style to be creative. About 1/2 way through the book my interest began to wane a bit and I found the ending pretty unsatisfying. Similar to nearly all of Oprah's book club selections, this book is depressing and a bit of a downer. Regardless, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an emotional read.
Helpful Score: 5
If you are an animal lover, youll enjoy this one. But even if you arent, the story will grip your heart. It takes a while to get through the introduction approximately 120 pages. But stick with it. The story takes on an urgent quality and the change in tone is dramatic, almost uncanny. This is a profound literary experience, even the brief but almost overwhelming glimpses of loss felt by Almondine, Edgars dog, as the story begins to unfold and again near the end. Once the author begins to unravel the tale, you wont put the book down. A touching novel of love and devotion, honor and justice (or injustice as the case may be); it is extremely well written with a warm and tender underlying storyline. A good read for a cold winter night in front of the fireplace. Without giving too much away, however, I would have preferred a much different ending. But dont read the ending or it will definitely spoil the story, and you dont want to miss that. An incredible depiction of the bonds that tie these Sawtelle dogs to their human companions.
Helpful Score: 5
I absolutely loved this book. It pulls you in and you feel you are truly part of the Sawtelle family. Very well written, it is a story I will never forget. If you love animals and wonder at how much they understand this book clarifies what all of us animal lovers already know. I didn't like the ending but that's the way it goes. I look forward to more books by David Wroblewski.
Helpful Score: 5
This book is a very long 562 pages. I found it hard to get into at first. The writing is very descriptive, and while reading many of the passages I wondered if they really had anything to do with the story or if the author was just verbose. In my opinion, the author was just verbose.
After about the first 120 pages the book started to pick up, and held my interest much better. I kept reading, hoping that something more would happen. It did, but as in the first 100 pages, it was very long and drawn out, and much of it had little to do with the actual plot.
The ending was quite unexpected, and I did not find it satisfying. It did not make me think, nor did it lead me to wonder what comes next. After investing my time in 562 pages, I was disappointed in the ending. I honestly cannot recommend this book, and would hesitate before reading any future works by this author.
After about the first 120 pages the book started to pick up, and held my interest much better. I kept reading, hoping that something more would happen. It did, but as in the first 100 pages, it was very long and drawn out, and much of it had little to do with the actual plot.
The ending was quite unexpected, and I did not find it satisfying. It did not make me think, nor did it lead me to wonder what comes next. After investing my time in 562 pages, I was disappointed in the ending. I honestly cannot recommend this book, and would hesitate before reading any future works by this author.
Helpful Score: 5
An epic novel. A coming of age tale about a boy's struggle to interpret and cope with events that impact his family.
Top notch writing. Worthy of much book club discussion (especially the allusions to Shakespeare's Hamlet), yet not so literary that it's a boring read for one that's not really inclined to study the themes.
Major plot line around breeding and training dogs. Protagonist is a mute boy (but that's not the key story line)
Don't read the dust jacket of the book if you want to be surprised by key events.
At times very interesting, at times scattered. I'm glad to have it on my "Books I've Read Resume" but I won't consider it a favorite.
3 stars out of 5
Top notch writing. Worthy of much book club discussion (especially the allusions to Shakespeare's Hamlet), yet not so literary that it's a boring read for one that's not really inclined to study the themes.
Major plot line around breeding and training dogs. Protagonist is a mute boy (but that's not the key story line)
Don't read the dust jacket of the book if you want to be surprised by key events.
At times very interesting, at times scattered. I'm glad to have it on my "Books I've Read Resume" but I won't consider it a favorite.
3 stars out of 5
I was in love with the first half of the book, as many have stated. But I also felt great disappointment at the end of the story. It could be my love for a happy ending and all the pieces falling nicely together. However, I was disappointed, and felt the author did not fully explain some situations - for example, the first scene in the book, the motive behind the man in this scene was never fully explained, but simply ever-so-slightly aluded to. I would probably suggested someone to read it, but I will most likely not pick it up again.
Helpful Score: 4
This book really is hard for me to rate. It kept me interested throughout. Some parts had lovely prose and word pictures that will stay with me forever. I was really pulling for Edgar. My grandparents were deaf and I wanted the mute kid to come out the winner. I loved reading about the dogs. I hated the ending! What was the point of it all? I wanted to throw the large hardback book across the room when I finished it because I was so frustrated, but I was afraid I'd dent the wall, so I calmly put it down instead.
I didn't mind that the point of view and voice of the story cycled through the characters every chapter, or the appearance of ghosts and spirits once in awhile. That made some kind of strange sense to me. What I come back to minding the most was the futility of the whole story. As I was reading this book I thought for sure I'd be giving it a high 4 star rating. Immediately after finishing it last night I wanted to give it 1 star. I settle on 3 stars now because I know it is a story that I will remember for a LONG time. I just can't decide if I'll remember it fondly or with frustration. Only time will tell.
I didn't mind that the point of view and voice of the story cycled through the characters every chapter, or the appearance of ghosts and spirits once in awhile. That made some kind of strange sense to me. What I come back to minding the most was the futility of the whole story. As I was reading this book I thought for sure I'd be giving it a high 4 star rating. Immediately after finishing it last night I wanted to give it 1 star. I settle on 3 stars now because I know it is a story that I will remember for a LONG time. I just can't decide if I'll remember it fondly or with frustration. Only time will tell.
Helpful Score: 4
This book was amazing! The author put me right inside Edgar's head, along with the dogs as well. I truly did not want this one to end!
Helpful Score: 4
I struggled with this book. After about 130 pages of yeesh, I put it down, but then I heard that it does get interesting so I picked it back up. I finished it on the second go, but only barely. Shakespeare would never have asked an audience to get through 130 pages of text before the story started -- because the audience would have revolted and thrown things at the actors. In fact, I could have read the original Hamlet twice over before Gar's ghost finally showed up in this version. If I had some rotten tomatoes and a responsible party to throw them at, I would have.
Wroblewski doesn't lack ambition: he took one of the best pieces of literature ever written, set it in America, and spent 500 pages retelling it (*cough* Steinbeck *cough*). That's a difficult choice, mostly because with a retelling the reader is going to be distracted by the original text while reading, both to look for parallels and to anticipate the plot. Further, Wroblewski is directly inviting us to compare his book with both Hamlet and The Grapes of Wrath. You had better be full of win to pull this off. This was not.
Besides the main problems, I also had a dog problem with this book. I've read and liked other books that featured dogs (The Dogs of Babel, Wild Dogs), but the Sawtelle Dogs left me cold. While individual dogs can make interesting characters, theories of dog breeding did not engage me. I kind of skimmed over the ending, so maybe the historic debate about what makes a great dog contributed to the book's overall thesis. I don't know, and I didn't care enough about the Sawtelle Dogs at that or any other point to try to figure it out. Aren't real dogs kind of goofy and lovable sometimes? Aren't they warm and loving and excitable? These didn't feel like real dogs as much as statues depicting loyalty who came to life and ran around obediently.
As other readers have noted, the reader is left with many questions at the end of the book, and I wondered why some of these problems were left to stand when the book went to print. Other readers have pointed out most of them. To me the most irksome was that we never learn the meaning of what his father's ghost was telling Edgar: he gave us the name Hachiko, who we know is a dog in the Sawtelle line, but we still don't know what it means. Overall, I'd say this is a good example of the book's flaw: too many ideas too loosely formed with too little plot (which is really the opposite of what Shakespeare achieved with the same material). That, and a weak editor.
Not recommended.
Wroblewski doesn't lack ambition: he took one of the best pieces of literature ever written, set it in America, and spent 500 pages retelling it (*cough* Steinbeck *cough*). That's a difficult choice, mostly because with a retelling the reader is going to be distracted by the original text while reading, both to look for parallels and to anticipate the plot. Further, Wroblewski is directly inviting us to compare his book with both Hamlet and The Grapes of Wrath. You had better be full of win to pull this off. This was not.
Besides the main problems, I also had a dog problem with this book. I've read and liked other books that featured dogs (The Dogs of Babel, Wild Dogs), but the Sawtelle Dogs left me cold. While individual dogs can make interesting characters, theories of dog breeding did not engage me. I kind of skimmed over the ending, so maybe the historic debate about what makes a great dog contributed to the book's overall thesis. I don't know, and I didn't care enough about the Sawtelle Dogs at that or any other point to try to figure it out. Aren't real dogs kind of goofy and lovable sometimes? Aren't they warm and loving and excitable? These didn't feel like real dogs as much as statues depicting loyalty who came to life and ran around obediently.
As other readers have noted, the reader is left with many questions at the end of the book, and I wondered why some of these problems were left to stand when the book went to print. Other readers have pointed out most of them. To me the most irksome was that we never learn the meaning of what his father's ghost was telling Edgar: he gave us the name Hachiko, who we know is a dog in the Sawtelle line, but we still don't know what it means. Overall, I'd say this is a good example of the book's flaw: too many ideas too loosely formed with too little plot (which is really the opposite of what Shakespeare achieved with the same material). That, and a weak editor.
Not recommended.
Helpful Score: 4
This book was beautifully written -- a great page turner. I knew nothing of it when I bought it so I had no expectations. I had never heard of it and was pleasantly surprised at page after page. Most of the characters were rich and well-developed. The switches in point-of-view in the story were actually easy to adapt to and rather a nice touch.
However, without giving the ending away, I was extremely disappointed and remain unsettled by the ending. In the reviews I have read since, some say it was inevitable and are not bothered by it. I just don't understand now what the purpose of the book was....for me, the ending has tarnished the book. I loved all but the last 3 chapters (when it became obvious what the author was going to do with the ending). I will stick to my rule that if it's on Oprah's Reading List, don't read it. I guess I should have checked the List first. I don't say that out of disrespect for her, but I find the choices a bit dysfunctional and sad. It's not what I want to wrap myself in....
Ultimately, great book, lousy ending. I wish I hadn't started it.
However, without giving the ending away, I was extremely disappointed and remain unsettled by the ending. In the reviews I have read since, some say it was inevitable and are not bothered by it. I just don't understand now what the purpose of the book was....for me, the ending has tarnished the book. I loved all but the last 3 chapters (when it became obvious what the author was going to do with the ending). I will stick to my rule that if it's on Oprah's Reading List, don't read it. I guess I should have checked the List first. I don't say that out of disrespect for her, but I find the choices a bit dysfunctional and sad. It's not what I want to wrap myself in....
Ultimately, great book, lousy ending. I wish I hadn't started it.
Helpful Score: 4
This has to be one of the best books I have read this year. It is heartbreaking and keeps you interested all the way to the end of the book. But it does have a surprise ending.
It is a story of a deaf boy who has to grow up very quickly when tragedy strikes his family.
Great read.
It is a story of a deaf boy who has to grow up very quickly when tragedy strikes his family.
Great read.
Helpful Score: 3
As another of my cohorts described it: "a rich, luscious read" full of family history and the dogs. Overall, it's about life, death, redemption, and coming of age. The only bad thing I have to report is that I was disappointed by the ending. I would read it again and recommend it to readers, but the ending was sort of a let-down.
Helpful Score: 3
I did not finish this book. It started out good but lost me due to many boring moments. Too much time spent on descriptions. I prefer a more action packed book. The plot was too vague and it was definitely not a page-turner!
Helpful Score: 3
ugh. i tried so hard to like this book, i kept reading and reading and reading, hoping it would get interesting or entertaining or something. but no, just kept plodding along, at a snail's pace. at times it was hard to follow, there was a 'supernatural' element to parts of the story that i felt was strange. i love dogs so i thought that part of the story would keep me going, but alas, page 315 will be my last page- i can not take this book anymore, so long, so boring! i think this seals the deal, any book Oprah loves is NOT on my list of books to read!
I was disappointed with the ending of this story. I know many readers have nothing but high acclaim for this book, but I am not one of them. I did enjoy the author's style of writing. I was able to vividly follow Edgar's journey from beginning to end, as if I were there myself. Unfortunately, the conclusion of the story made me feel as if that journey was for naught.
Sorry Oprah, you were wrong on this one!!
Sorry Oprah, you were wrong on this one!!
Helpful Score: 3
Edgar Sawtelle is born mute, but as the only son of a rural Wisconsin family, his canine companion is a dog, Almondine. But to interpret this as a boy - dog canine relationship story misses the point. This is a modern adaptation of Hamlet, where the King Hamlet dies under mysterious circumstances. Edgar's mother, Trude (Gertrude) has a relationship with Edgar's uncle (Claude). Edgar must decide whether to accept Claude as his step-father and unravel the mystery of his father's death. I loved the simple elegance of the story telling and the pacing that moves the novel to its tragic conclusion.
As a dog lover, what I liked about the book was the way he described the consciousness and personality of each unique member of the pack. I think this sets it apart from other dog stories.
As a dog lover, what I liked about the book was the way he described the consciousness and personality of each unique member of the pack. I think this sets it apart from other dog stories.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a very interesting book about a family in Minnesota that raises dogs. It's a little bit unusual -- has lots of different things happening. Overall, it's a good read; I think you'll enjoy it.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the best books I have read lately. I am a dog lover, but this book is more then that. The writer lets you explore your own feelings about the characters in the book, just nibbling at the outer fringes of their story. I loved how the author went into the mind of the characters and what they were thinking, especially Almondine. Be prepared for heartbreak, but some glimmer of hope in the power of unconditional love and forgiveness. I must say, the book haunted me for weeks after I finished reading it. Be prepared for this emotional wave, if the book touches you as it had touched me. I read there are aspirations of making this into a movie. I cannot imagine how a movie could touch on all the finer feelings, and imagery, this book emits. In a way, I hope a movie is not attempted, and let this masterpiece remain a story in print only.
Helpful Score: 2
A story of a unique boy and his relationship with his family dogs. Outstanding read, though I was disappointed by the ending. The characters, plot, and location of the story are developed beautifully, though.
Helpful Score: 2
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone as I found it to be stretched out boring, dissapointing and depressing although writing skill of the author was decent. Sorry, Oprah!
Helpful Score: 2
Unbelievably boring.
Helpful Score: 2
I did not find this book boring or overly-descriptive at any point. This story really does grab your heart in every way & I actually didn't want it to end. The writing was easy to read . I loved Almondine, Edgar, & Essay, and the chapters describing Almondine's thoughts were touching & beautiful. This book is so so very good. . until you reach the end.
I wanted so bad for it to have a satisfying ending of some sort, not even a happy ending. .I would have settled with ANY type of ending other than the one it had. But it was just awful. And I am not the person that has to have perfect and happy endings to enjoy a book. I like my share of sad, tear-jerker stories, as I would be absolutely bored if they all ended happily.
The ending felt completely wrong. As if part V was written by someone else entirely different from the author of the first four parts, someone given the job to just finish the book. There were many seemingly important loose ends & side plots left completely unaddressed. It me feel like I had been fooled into thinking I was reading something great, different, inspiringly beautiful, as the ending made all of that I had read before seem almost worthless.
I would not recommend this book, solely because of how terrible it made me feel after I finished reading it. I know I sound pretty harsh, but I just have finished the book, so my emotions from reading it are very fresh!
I wanted so bad for it to have a satisfying ending of some sort, not even a happy ending. .I would have settled with ANY type of ending other than the one it had. But it was just awful. And I am not the person that has to have perfect and happy endings to enjoy a book. I like my share of sad, tear-jerker stories, as I would be absolutely bored if they all ended happily.
The ending felt completely wrong. As if part V was written by someone else entirely different from the author of the first four parts, someone given the job to just finish the book. There were many seemingly important loose ends & side plots left completely unaddressed. It me feel like I had been fooled into thinking I was reading something great, different, inspiringly beautiful, as the ending made all of that I had read before seem almost worthless.
I would not recommend this book, solely because of how terrible it made me feel after I finished reading it. I know I sound pretty harsh, but I just have finished the book, so my emotions from reading it are very fresh!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent story. Extremely well written. This book was a best-seller and an Oprah's Book Club selection. It well deserves both honors. This is one of those books that you can't put down while you are reading it, and you can't put out of your mind when you finish. As you progress into the plot, you may recognize elements from one of Shakespeare's tragedies.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a masterpiece. The writer does not tell you the story he lets your mind and imagination experience it. The love of Almondine for Edgar is a testament to unconditional love. I was overcome and haunted by this book weeks after I finished reading it. If you take on reading this book, make sure you are not in a fragile state of mind, seriously.
Helpful Score: 1
A great first novel by Wroblewski. A coming-of-age tale about a mute boy whose family raises a fictional breed of dog. The story takes place in rural Wisconsin. If you're interested in breeding and training dogs, this book is for you. I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 1
Great read but very stressful. Found myself worried about the dogs.
Helpful Score: 1
I listened to this book unabridged through 18 CD's and for the most part loved it. I thought the charachters of the dogs were a lot more developed than the humans and the whole idea of Edgar's mother being so sensitive and good with him and the dogs and then doing something so harebrained as taking up with her dead husbands evil brother was a bit of a stretch. I thought the ending was extremely unsatistying to the point that I would never recommend this book to anyone other than finding out more about dog training.
Helpful Score: 1
Beautifully written,touching and interesting, this book will grab your heart and mind and set them soaring. The only negative I had about the book was that it had to end. I so enjoyed reading it and getting caught up in the story of this family and their lives.
This is a story that is not easily forgotten. Do yourself a favor and get it. You'll only be sorry you waited this long to read it.
This is a story that is not easily forgotten. Do yourself a favor and get it. You'll only be sorry you waited this long to read it.
Helpful Score: 1
Hmmm. This is a good first novel, and I will probably read others he may write in the future. The storytelling is engaging, and you can certainly feel yourself inside Edgar's head. In fact, Wroblewski does a good job of getting you inside the heads of all of the characters, even some not so likeable.
It is gripping, especially as it nears the end. I could not put it down. But, I'm going to have to agree with the others about the ending. I am not one who needs a happy ending to recommend a book, but this was probably the second most unsatisfying ending book I've read (the top award for that goes to Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood). It's difficult to discuss without giving it away, but the general feeling is that the book stops rather than ends, and it does so ambiguously. I had to read the last couple of pages again to see if I missed some clue about what the writer was saying. I'm still not sure what the author intended readers to understand. While I dislike authors who hit you over the head with explanations of the obvious, I equally dislike authors who write ambiguous passages assuming you are following their train of thought and will arrive at the proper interpretation of what happened. I'm not usually so thick-headed as to miss these cues, but I did on this one. Still scratching my head and feeling unsatisfied.
I'll give it 5 stars until the last couple of chapters. I'm backing it down to a 4 overall.
It is gripping, especially as it nears the end. I could not put it down. But, I'm going to have to agree with the others about the ending. I am not one who needs a happy ending to recommend a book, but this was probably the second most unsatisfying ending book I've read (the top award for that goes to Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood). It's difficult to discuss without giving it away, but the general feeling is that the book stops rather than ends, and it does so ambiguously. I had to read the last couple of pages again to see if I missed some clue about what the writer was saying. I'm still not sure what the author intended readers to understand. While I dislike authors who hit you over the head with explanations of the obvious, I equally dislike authors who write ambiguous passages assuming you are following their train of thought and will arrive at the proper interpretation of what happened. I'm not usually so thick-headed as to miss these cues, but I did on this one. Still scratching my head and feeling unsatisfied.
I'll give it 5 stars until the last couple of chapters. I'm backing it down to a 4 overall.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is really beautifully written and even when the story's pace is a bit slow in the beginning, it still draws you in. Unfortunately, for me parts of it were so sad, I wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I had hoped. I loved the character of Edgar and the story of the dogs, and I enjoyed the way it paralleled Hamlet, with different settings. I would recommend the book for anyone who can get through the sad parts.
Helpful Score: 1
The writing in this novel is beautiful and descriptive. A red globe lantern outside a doorway shines like a jewel. Headlights sweep a wall at dusk.
The passages about dogs, their loyalty and training are engaging.
Most will find the ending unsatisfactory and abrupt. Unless you realize that the structure is Shakespearean in nature, and patterened after a tragedy. Once you know that, it falls into place.
Read for the finely crafted phrases and character outlines.
The passages about dogs, their loyalty and training are engaging.
Most will find the ending unsatisfactory and abrupt. Unless you realize that the structure is Shakespearean in nature, and patterened after a tragedy. Once you know that, it falls into place.
Read for the finely crafted phrases and character outlines.
Helpful Score: 1
A lovely story about a boy and his family who raises their own special breed of dog. Beautiful language, and interesting twists. Underlying story is about trust and betrayal, and looking beyond the surface of a person's actions. I first "read" this book on audio, and really longed to read the pages for myself. I recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed the book but not quite as much as Oprah hyped it up.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the writing style and descriptive prose. Thought the plot was good too, but it just got a little too fantastic at some point, and the ending was... disappointing. But if you love dogs and are interested in how dogs are trained, you will probably like this book.
Helpful Score: 1
If I was an editor, I would say this book lacked the ability to draw the character into the book. I did not feel like I was feeling and living Edgar's life. The narration was too cold, lacked some story line also. The book was too long for the plot, felt like David Wroblewski stretched the book out for the sake of making it longer.
Helpful Score: 1
An instant classic. Up there with KAVLIER & CLAY, OWEN MEANY, CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES ... unbelievably absorbing, particularly for a debut.
Helpful Score: 1
This book started off very good and I could not put it down...and then I couldn't pick it up. I finally just called my girlfriend who had finished it and asked what happened and I NEVER do that. This was so depressing and boring I just couldn't stand it.
I love and hated this book. I loved reading this book and I hated to put it down. I loved the beautiful story and I hated the ending.
Helpful Score: 1
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone as I found it to be stretched out boring, dissapointing and depressing although writing skill of the author was decent. Sorry, Oprah!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is long and takes some time to get through. It is well written and an amazing first novel for the author. Dog lovers will particularly enjoy.
Helpful Score: 1
This book had me hooked. It's a page turner. Then it completely falls apart at the end.
The good: The dogs are very interesting. Their training and breeding methods are fascinating. I liked reading the history of the dogs. Edgar's "soul," Almodine, is my favorite character in the book. The dogs are human like.
The bad: The ending didn't tie up many loose ends, and fell flat. It really ruined the entire book for me. The ending made the entire middle of the book seem pointless. You never find out exactly why Gar and Claude hate eachother or even if they actually did hate eachother. The motive was scarce - and I won't say anymore because I don't want to give it away ;)
The good: The dogs are very interesting. Their training and breeding methods are fascinating. I liked reading the history of the dogs. Edgar's "soul," Almodine, is my favorite character in the book. The dogs are human like.
The bad: The ending didn't tie up many loose ends, and fell flat. It really ruined the entire book for me. The ending made the entire middle of the book seem pointless. You never find out exactly why Gar and Claude hate eachother or even if they actually did hate eachother. The motive was scarce - and I won't say anymore because I don't want to give it away ;)
Helpful Score: 1
I could hardly put this book down. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in a rural area. His family raises dogs and therein lies the meat of the book. The author's insight about the nature of human-canine interactions was fabulous. I stayed up very late to finish it and...absolutely HATED the ending. It sort of ruined the whole experience for me.
I loved the tenacity of this boy and the whole flavor of the book. It is a favorite.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm glad I didn't buy this book. Three of my book friends couldn't get into it, so my curisoty gave in, that I had to see what this was all about. It took me half the book before I could get interested. The ending was very dissappointing. I think this book could have been done with 279 pages instead of 558! I'd give it a 2 & not recommend it.
Helpful Score: 1
I just HAD to read this book because of a newspaper review. What a disappointment! The author used way too many pages to tell a story that had no ending. It went on and on and felt to me like the author suddenly had to meet a deadline, so he caused a fire and BLAM the book was over. Truly a waste of time.
I read this book about a year ago. This was one of the
best books I have read. The author's writing captivated
me until the end. However, the ending wasn't what I
expected. It left me unsettled after reading such
a great book.
best books I have read. The author's writing captivated
me until the end. However, the ending wasn't what I
expected. It left me unsettled after reading such
a great book.
I had a hard time getting into this book. Finally when Edgar was traveling with the dogs I got into it but I was so very disappointed in the ending. It left me with lots of questions.
a unique and poignant story of a young boy and his incredible story.
It was delicious I wanted to read it slowly so that it wouldn't end. The part of the days in the woods with the dogs was too long.
Like so many others I wanted to love this book. And at first I did. I did feel the author was too descriptive. He just kept going on and on.... I feel it would have been a much better book had he written it mostly in the viewpoint of the dogs. Those were his best chapters. The ending stunk. I was hoping for more.
Interesting book. A bit far fetched at times, but it's entertaining and a good story.
I don't choose a book because Oprah said it is wonderful. I choose according to the story line and what ever "feels" like will interest me at the time. I did read the reviews first and not everyone is going to agree on everything. Just because someone didn't care for it, or because Oprah says it's wonderful does not make up MY mind. I found this novel very nobel and humble and wonderful. The story about Edgar and his dogs and his life his heart and how the past makes the future. To quote from Stephen King, "I don't reread many books, as life is too short. I will be rereading this one"
Amazing first book by the author that contained well researched and credible details--even the mystical elements seemed possible. This is one of the few books in my life that I truly could not put down. Wroblewski took great care to describe the nuances of Wisconsin farmland where I spent many summers. His love of language will delight readers with fresh and vivid descriptions that rendered his tableaus with a luminescent, painterly quality that stirs readers' emotions. A must-read for dog lovers.
I was looking forward to reading this book and was well-rewarded. I enjoyed the story but was left slightly confused about why certain things happened. The section that describes Edgar's adventure out on his own was by far the best part and extremely well-written. The ending was disappointing to me but I was willing to accept it.
One of my all time favorite books! A must read. I couldn't put the book down and then when I finished, I was sad it was over. Such beautiful descriptions of the land and wonderful character detail. I will definitely read this author's next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Good read - interesting characters! I usually don't care for many of Oprah's recommended books since they're dark, intense. This one was extremely good - you care about the main characters. Rather abrupt ending. Would recommend highly!
I found this to be a very interesting book. As others have said, it was perhaps too detailed about the dog training process and genealogy, but that was all an integral part of the story. It interested me because the characters (both human and canine) were fascinating. I dont want to read books that teach me nothing new - I read to learn about things I may never experience; this was one of
those books. It's not a fast read at all; it's not the best book I've ever read. But it is well written,with strong characters, and a very interesting story line.
those books. It's not a fast read at all; it's not the best book I've ever read. But it is well written,with strong characters, and a very interesting story line.
Wonderful book, and very well written. Loved it, and hope Wroblewski writes more books!
Well written story that flows coherently.
I was not sure about this book when I started, however, as I read deeper into the story I could not put it down! Interesting characters and situations. Loved the interaction between the boy and his dog.
A good story. Not the ending I expected.
interesting book. unexpected ending.
I could not wait to read this book after Oprah hyped it up for months on her show. Sadly, it was a big bomb for me...it was slow and sad and overall pretty boring. I found it very difficult to get through, but i hate to not finish a book once i've started. I was so disappointed and thoroughly dissatisfied with this read.
This book is so not worth the time it takes to read it. I was bored almost immediately. I thought about putting it down and not coming back many, many times but I kept hanging in there with the belief that a book wouldn't get so much attention and hype if it didn't have some redeeming quality somewhere. Just goes to show that, even at my age, one can still be very naive.
And, the ending, goodness, let's not even go there. . . .
And, the ending, goodness, let's not even go there. . . .
An amazing book full of stories within stories. The characters showed such insight and depth. I pictured the events of the book as if presented before my eyes in movie form stronger than any other book I have read. Everyone needs to read this book. Really.
...the last three chapters. I borrowed it from the library and I was so excited about reading it. And I was off to a good start! I couldn't finish it in time, so I had to bring it back and renew it again. I felt I left it off at a good point (I won't say, since I don;t want to let any info by) and I waited. I was so tempted to buy it, just so I could finish it. Finally, after a month, I got it back and was ready to pick it up again. I was so entralled and then I reached the last few chapters...and then the last chapter and I was so disappointed! I almost cried I was so unhappy with the way the author ended it. I don't know if I would recommend this book to others now...
LOVED this book. The beginning was slow but the story line is engrossing. After a few chapters, I couldn't put it down. It is beautifully written - the author truly has a gift for storytelling. I'm an animal lover and the viewpoint of Almondine is exquisite. I cried throughout her chapter. The story does move a bit slowly but it's worth it for the detail and truly adds to the richness of the story. In truth, this writing style may not be for everyone but I highly suggest you give it a chance.
This book is very popular with Book Clubs, as there is a lot to discuss once you finish it. However, for pleasure reading I found it to be a little grim.
I loved this book. It's beautifully written and a great story. Very few books hold my attention like this one.
I loved this book. It captured my time for a couple of days, much like only a few books: Thornbirds, Clan of the Cave Bear, Pillars of the Earth... The writing is so easy to read with Wroblewski's cadence and beautiful poetic descriptions. On the internet there's an interview with the author and he was asked point blank about the Hamlet comparison. He set out to write a dog story that followed the Hamlet story line. So now I want to reread Hamlet. At the end of the book there was some resolution but not what I would have preferred happen. So in my mind I continued the story and MY version of the end is more satisfying.
This memorable novel will remind many readers of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." However, resilient, thoughtful and observant Edgar Sawtelle is not another Prince of Denmark. I doubt that everyone will love this pensive book set in rural Wisconsin in the middle of the 20th century. But I can predict that no one who reads this beautifully written book will ever forget Edgar or the dogs and people he loves.
I began reading this book with relish as it was recommended by three women in my office who passed it around until it was my turn. They all LOVED it. I found it to be plodding, heavy, dismal and depressing. I agree with other reviewers who didn't like it for the same reason. I couldn't care less what happened to these people, I especially disliked the mother, and actually gave up reading once the father died and the mother was taking up with the uncle. Forget it... unless you need a dull read to get you to sleep.
Did not finish the book. I skimmed to the end in the hope it would resolve things but I found the ending even more unsettling.
What a rich, lucious read! I discovered this book weeks before Oprah did and had begun to recommend it to all my friends. Truly one of the most unique and enjoyable novels I've read in a long time.
I was very excited to read this book. I purchased it shortly after it came out and finally finished reading it after putting it down many, many times! It is long and drawn out. The book finally got interesting around page 350!
I hated the ending! It made me wish I had stopped reading it in the begining. The best part of the book was the dogs. I wish they were real!
I hated the ending! It made me wish I had stopped reading it in the begining. The best part of the book was the dogs. I wish they were real!
As a student of Shakespeare, and Hamlet being one of my favorite plays, I have to say I simply thought The Story of Edgar Sawtelle was brilliantly written. I've noticed MANY reviewers saying they did not like the end of the novel--and without posting a spoiler I will say this--Hamlet' story was a tragedy, and so is the story of Edgar. Tragedies never have happy endings, do they? Of course not. Tragedies reveal the human condition--brutal as it can be, intertwined with love and tenderness.
One of the most unique transformations from Hamlet to this novel was the character of Ophelia, represented here by a beautiful dog, Almondine. I absolutely loved the chapters written from Almondine's point of view--especially one line where she was noting the delivery of mail on a daily basis--the mailbox caught and released the man every day. (paraphrased) There are many little gems like this scattered throughout the book.
One element I loved in Hamlet, but is missing from this story, is the advice that Polonius gives his son, Laertes--you know, the famous "Not a beggar nor a borrower be" etc. Polonius is represented by the friendly old vet, Page, and his son is the town's buffoon sheriff deputy.
Don't think that it is Hamlet retold, though, because the book is not. It stands on its own merits. I'd love to read anything else by Wroblewski.
I'm usually not a fan of verbose writers, but Wroblewski paints such a vivid image in the reader's mind that I have to say the length and extended descriptions did not bother me and the reading went quickly.
One of the most unique transformations from Hamlet to this novel was the character of Ophelia, represented here by a beautiful dog, Almondine. I absolutely loved the chapters written from Almondine's point of view--especially one line where she was noting the delivery of mail on a daily basis--the mailbox caught and released the man every day. (paraphrased) There are many little gems like this scattered throughout the book.
One element I loved in Hamlet, but is missing from this story, is the advice that Polonius gives his son, Laertes--you know, the famous "Not a beggar nor a borrower be" etc. Polonius is represented by the friendly old vet, Page, and his son is the town's buffoon sheriff deputy.
Don't think that it is Hamlet retold, though, because the book is not. It stands on its own merits. I'd love to read anything else by Wroblewski.
I'm usually not a fan of verbose writers, but Wroblewski paints such a vivid image in the reader's mind that I have to say the length and extended descriptions did not bother me and the reading went quickly.
Since the book description mentions this is a retelling of Hamlet, then most people should understand the basic plotline of this story. The part I really can't comprehend is where the dogs fit in. I guess I did not fully appreciate the book because I am not a dog owner myself. I felt I wasn't getting the full impact of what the author was trying to say about dogs and people- the emotional bond, the "seen through the eyes of a dog" sort of thing. I admit, I probably started skimming the last hundred pages or so, where Edgar begins his "journey" with his pups. The beginning is interesting with lots of subtle nuances about Edgar's family and the locals. But that last part...ugh...I also suppose people would argue the author is brilliant in the last section where you have no "voice" for the most part and we can only read description after description of the dogs and Edgar. Then the Hamlet-analogy gets too bogged down, like the author was trying to force it into the book. If I recall, Hamlet is trying to prove his uncle poured poison in his dead father's ear (sorry if I'm not 100% correct, I haven't read Hanlet in years) so guess what Edgar keeps searching for? And really, who cares? The author doesn't paint the "bad guys" as 100% bad; Edgar is not the total hero. I guess the real heroes are the dogs, as dog lovers might rejoice but the rest of us are left scratching our heads.
This has to be one of the best books I have ever read...I usually will lose interest if an author is too detailed but I was absolutely enthralled with the writer's colorful descriptions and obvious love of life and animals. This story is heartwarming as well as heartwrenching. I was unable to put it down. I felt all the emotions that he wanted is readership to feel.
Oprah has a way of picking books for her book club that make you want to throw yourself in front of traffic for having read them. I loved that the author actually did some research on Sign Language. This book is a roller coaster ride and I still can't decide if I loved it or hated it. Maybe that's why it is so good- it certainly is not a cute book about a boy and his dog with a predictable ending. I see the Shakespeare parallel, but I can't help but wonder, what was the point of this book?
I loved this book!!! It is very slow at the start and a bit difficult to "get into." However, if you give it a chance, it is really engaging. I become so concerned about Edgar and what was going to happen to him! It is definitely a book for dog lovers.
Basically it is the story of Edgar Sawtelle, just like the title says. Edgar is born without the ability to speak. He grows up on a farm where they breed dogs. His grandfather started breeding the dogs and now his father has given Edgar his first litter to raise. They are a different kind of breeder because they raise the puppies and make sure they are super-trained before giving them up. Sawtelle dogs are the best and they do a lot to keep up with their reputation and continue to breed better and smarter dogs. Most of this is epitomized by Edgars lifelong companion Almondine.
But Edgars father dies suddenly and very unexpectedly and Edgar and his mother have a hard time dealing with the tragedy. Edgars fathers brother returns to help with the farm and worms his way into Edgars mothers affections. But Edgar knows there is something not right with Claude. After an unfortunate event, Edgar flees the farm with the dogs he has been raising.
They are on the run together and embark on a kind of crazy adventure. They have to learn to survive on their own. I cant really describe it, but that is the most interesting part of the book.
But I did not like the ending. Literally until about the last 3 pages you do not know what is going to happen. It is good because the last 100-200 pages just fly because there is so much going on and you are just dying to know what happens. Then all of a sudden it ends and not in a happy way. I was very disturbed and mad.
But it is still a good book. If you like dogs, youll probably like this book
But Edgars father dies suddenly and very unexpectedly and Edgar and his mother have a hard time dealing with the tragedy. Edgars fathers brother returns to help with the farm and worms his way into Edgars mothers affections. But Edgar knows there is something not right with Claude. After an unfortunate event, Edgar flees the farm with the dogs he has been raising.
They are on the run together and embark on a kind of crazy adventure. They have to learn to survive on their own. I cant really describe it, but that is the most interesting part of the book.
But I did not like the ending. Literally until about the last 3 pages you do not know what is going to happen. It is good because the last 100-200 pages just fly because there is so much going on and you are just dying to know what happens. Then all of a sudden it ends and not in a happy way. I was very disturbed and mad.
But it is still a good book. If you like dogs, youll probably like this book
I was almost afraid to read this book because everyone was talking about the disappointing ending. I had heard it was sad....Well, the book is sad but I found the ending uplifting. It is really the only ending that I would have totally accepted. Unlike some other reviewers, I was never bored and appreciated the detail. In fact, the detail became very important as the story progressed. Great writing, amazing characters--including the dogs. This book reminds me that life is not always fair but it does move steadily forward.
Read "Hamlet" instead... it's better, AND shorter!
I chose this title because of the buzz about it....but like many recent Oprah selections, I was left unmoved by it. It relates the story of a hearing boy who cannot speak, and the adolescent issues of his reaction to his father's death, learning that his father's death was at his uncle's hands, and then, as icing, that his mother has 'taken up with' that very uncle. A troubling time for any young man, Edgar's solitary and internal natures make these events quite difficult for him to deal with. While I thought the story intriguing, I ended up feeling like the author had flitted back and forth between the adolescent reaction issues and the plot events and had not wrapped them up together by the end, or even as they played out.
This is a nice read and I enjoyed it; I thought the ending abrupt and unfinished.
This is a nice read and I enjoyed it; I thought the ending abrupt and unfinished.
This is certainly an engrossing and tragically beautiful story! I enjoyed it immensely until the end... it was VERY sad. But, it was certainly a good book about dogs. I really can't get over the ending.... it was so sad... especially Almondine... I really want to read a happy and silly book next. It was very well-written, but very, very sad. Not that I should have been surprised. It had deep roots in *Hamlet* and we all know how that ends...
This book is beautifully written and interesting, but a very slow read. The words and use of them is impressive and delightful, but the subject matter and events did not inspire a great desire to continue reading it. I was interested in the dog breeding and training because of a grandfather who had done this, so some familiarity existed for me. But for the average reader I do not feel the subject matter would be at all interesting.
It was a quick read, and I enjoyed it up until the end when i remembered/realized that it was a Hamlet story. That was a little depressing.
I would give this more than five stars if I could. The writing was so amazing in parts that I wanted to jump inside the pages and swim around for a while...I found myself re-reading passages not because the words didn't sink in the first time, but because the words were so incredibly beautiful, the sentiment so perfectly articulated.
I read a lot of negative reviews about the ending. I'll admit it wasn't what I expected, and not at all what I would have liked to have happened, but after mulling it over in my mind, I am okay with it. I'm even starting to see the beauty in the way Wroblewski chose to conclude this epic tale of life and love.
I read a lot of negative reviews about the ending. I'll admit it wasn't what I expected, and not at all what I would have liked to have happened, but after mulling it over in my mind, I am okay with it. I'm even starting to see the beauty in the way Wroblewski chose to conclude this epic tale of life and love.
Engrossing read, and the author gives credit to many who have influenced him yet he forgets to mention Shakespeare, whose story he stole. Not sure what all the fuss was about.
I struggled with this book. After about 130 pages of yeesh, I put it down, but then I heard that it does get interesting so I picked it back up. I finished it on the second go, but only barely. Shakespeare would never have asked an audience to get through 130 pages of text before the story started -- because the audience would have revolted and thrown things at the actors. In fact, I could have read the original Hamlet twice over before Gar's ghost finally showed up in this version. If I had some rotten tomatoes and a responsible party to throw them at, I would have.
Wroblewski doesn't lack ambition: he took one of the best pieces of literature ever written, set it in America, and spent 500 pages retelling it (*cough* Steinbeck *cough*). That's a difficult choice, mostly because with a retelling the reader is going to be distracted by the original text while reading, both to look for parallels and to anticipate the plot. Further, Wroblewski is directly inviting us to compare his book with both Hamlet and The Grapes of Wrath. You had better be full of win to pull this off. This was not.
Besides the main problems, I also had a dog problem with this book. I've read and liked other books that featured dogs (The Dogs of Babel, Wild Dogs), but the Sawtelle Dogs left me cold. While individual dogs can make interesting characters, theories of dog breeding did not engage me. I kind of skimmed over the ending, so maybe the historic debate about what makes a great dog contributed to the book's overall thesis. I don't know, and I didn't care enough about the Sawtelle Dogs at that or any other point to try to figure it out. Aren't real dogs kind of goofy and lovable sometimes? Aren't they warm and loving and excitable? These didn't feel like real dogs as much as statues depicting loyalty who came to life and ran around obediently.
As other readers have noted, the reader is left with many questions at the end of the book, and I wondered why some of these problems were left to stand when the book went to print. Other readers have pointed out most of them. The me the most irksome was that we never learn the meaning of what his father's ghost was telling Edgar: he gave us the name Hachiko, who we know is a dog in the Sawtelle line, but we still don't know what it means. Overall, I'd say this is a good example of the book's flaw: too many ideas too loosely formed with too little plot (which is really the opposite of what Shakespeare achieved with the same material). That, and a weak editor.
Wroblewski doesn't lack ambition: he took one of the best pieces of literature ever written, set it in America, and spent 500 pages retelling it (*cough* Steinbeck *cough*). That's a difficult choice, mostly because with a retelling the reader is going to be distracted by the original text while reading, both to look for parallels and to anticipate the plot. Further, Wroblewski is directly inviting us to compare his book with both Hamlet and The Grapes of Wrath. You had better be full of win to pull this off. This was not.
Besides the main problems, I also had a dog problem with this book. I've read and liked other books that featured dogs (The Dogs of Babel, Wild Dogs), but the Sawtelle Dogs left me cold. While individual dogs can make interesting characters, theories of dog breeding did not engage me. I kind of skimmed over the ending, so maybe the historic debate about what makes a great dog contributed to the book's overall thesis. I don't know, and I didn't care enough about the Sawtelle Dogs at that or any other point to try to figure it out. Aren't real dogs kind of goofy and lovable sometimes? Aren't they warm and loving and excitable? These didn't feel like real dogs as much as statues depicting loyalty who came to life and ran around obediently.
As other readers have noted, the reader is left with many questions at the end of the book, and I wondered why some of these problems were left to stand when the book went to print. Other readers have pointed out most of them. The me the most irksome was that we never learn the meaning of what his father's ghost was telling Edgar: he gave us the name Hachiko, who we know is a dog in the Sawtelle line, but we still don't know what it means. Overall, I'd say this is a good example of the book's flaw: too many ideas too loosely formed with too little plot (which is really the opposite of what Shakespeare achieved with the same material). That, and a weak editor.
What an incredible story..almost poetic in its description of events and people. Loved it.
One of my favorite books this year. A story about a boy and his dog and the hardship he has to go through after losing his father. Love this book.
Fascinating story of the Sawtelle family, breeders of the famous Sawtelle companion dogs, of bitter sibling rivalry, the bond between man and dog, and of Edgar Sawtelle who was born unable to utter a sound but with the ability to see beyond the limitations of physical space and time.
Although this is clearly based on Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the richly multilayered plot keeps you riveted to the pages while the family's tragedy unreels before you. Obviously very carefully researched with fascinating insight into training of companion dogs and life in a tiny town near Lake Superior.
This book is so flawlessly and beautifully written that it left me wanting more, just to continue to enjoy Mr. Wroblewski's prose.
Although this is clearly based on Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the richly multilayered plot keeps you riveted to the pages while the family's tragedy unreels before you. Obviously very carefully researched with fascinating insight into training of companion dogs and life in a tiny town near Lake Superior.
This book is so flawlessly and beautifully written that it left me wanting more, just to continue to enjoy Mr. Wroblewski's prose.
I really liked this book!
Superb writing. This is how you do it, James Patterson.
Loved this book. The author takes an age-old storyline (Shakespeare made Hamlet famous, but didn't invent him) and brings it into the present day beautifully. The characters are deep and real, including the dogs. Gorgeous writing, wonderful detail. Highly recommended. Spoiler alert: it IS based on Hamlet, so don't expect a happy ending! The twist here is more satisfying than the original, though.
This retelling of the Hamlet tragedy, set in Wisconsin in contemporary times, circles around brothers and betrayal, and a voiceless young man who finds in his dogs the understanding his world otherwise lacks.
I was so disappointed with the ending of this book. It was a long book that could have ended sooner and with a much better ending. There is no closure with the ending. The good part about the book was the relationship the boy had with the dogs.
Great story about people and dogs.
What a book - it tugs at you heart in so many ways - hard to put down
I will never forgive Wrobleweski for this ending. I'm convinced he hates women - how else could he do this to that poor mother? Writing is gorgeous but OMG the ending sucks.
