London Area Book Club - July 2010

For our next meeting, we will be discussing The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.  We will meet at 1:00pm on 10 July at Tide Tables Cafe, in Richmond.  It is right next to Richmond Bridge, along the river.

Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's paternal uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelles' once peaceful home. When Edgar's father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm--and into Edgar's mother's affections.

Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father's death, but his plan backfires--spectacularly. Forced to flee into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm, Edgar comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father's murderer and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs turn Edgar ever homeward.

David Wroblewski is a master storyteller, and his breathtaking scenes--the elemental north woods, the sweep of seasons, an iconic American barn, a fateful vision rendered in the falling rain--create a riveting family saga, a brilliant exploration of the limits of language, and a compulsively readable modern classic.

Don't be shy!  Come join us.  We are always delighted to welcome new people to our club.

Sounds like an interesting book, with "Hamlet" undertones

I'm about 200 pages in and really enjoying it. It's going to be good for my 9-hour flight tomorrow! I'll hopefully have it done in time for the meeting. I'm looking forward to joining you!

I am starting it this weekend, as we are taking the train journey up to the Lake District.  I have really good reviews of this, so I look forward to another great discussion!

Looks like we are going to have some great weather today for our meeting!  Looking forward to seeing everyone!

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