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Literary Scene -
Literary Features
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June 2008
David Wroblewski grew up in rural Wisconsin, not far from the Chequamegon National Forest where his first novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, is set. For a first novel Wroblewski is getting a lot of well deserved press after proving himself a master storyteller. The beautifully written story truly takes something that is so farmilar to so many people and turns it into something absorbing and passionate. That literary experience is something that no reader could deny. Even famed author Stephen King has given the book praise.
Christopher Turner had the chance to sit down with David and ask him a few questions for Experience Toronto. Here's what he had to share with us!
Experience Toronto Talks With David Wroblewski
ETO: What inspired you to write The Story of Edgar Sawtelle?
David: It comes from a number of sources. I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin where my parents raised dogs. During that time in my life I had lost of odd jobs around the kennel. It was an idyllic way to spend your childhood. My parents stopped after 5 years though. They couldn’t afford to do it right and didn’t want to do it wrong. So part of the story comes from that. I guess in many ways I wanted to re-visit that time. There are many things. There is my interest in dogs as an adult, the explosion of interest in the studying of dogs… So I started getting interested in telling a story about dogs and the way I know dogs behave.
ETO: When did you actually start writing the story of Edgar?
David: It’s been so long. My earliest notes are from around 1993. I started writing around 1995.
ETO: With so many different ideas floating around... Where did you begin?
David: Well… Here’s what happened. It happened quick. I was standing in my living room in Colorado when it suddenly occurred to me that the basic dramatic structure of Hamlet could be set in a place I knew really well. In the book Edgar has several experiences of things tumbling like dominos. That was what the experience was like for me. I knew I wanted to tell a story that had a 5 act structure and I wanted to have points that really had nothing to do with Hamlet… So I started on it…
ETO: How would Edgar’s story have been different if he had been born with a voice?
David: I think in a couple of ways. I don’t think his bond with the dogs would be the same. Edgar is that much more observant of the world around him. He’s hyper observant because he’s denied this one ability he is extra observant. And of course there are plot points that couldn’t play out if he could talk!
ETO: Do you have a dog?
David: I do! Her name is Lola! I won't tell you what breed she is.... But I will tell you she’s a big dog!
ETO: Stephen King said that he "flat-out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" calling it "wonderful, mysterious, long and satisfying" among other wonderful comments. What are your thoughts on King's praise?
David: Well it certainly made a big impression on people. My first thought is how grateful I am. I don’t know him and I am sure my publisher sent it to him. Why he picked this one out of everything he reads… I don’t know. I was stunned to begin with it is a very generous act on his part. I am very grateful.
ETO: Let's change gears a bit. Who is your favorite author?
David: It’s a tough question. I have a bunch based on my mood. Who I turn to often… Richard Russo, who I studied with… Cormick McCarthy and William Maxwell who wrote So Long, See You Tomorrow.
ETO: What are you reading right now?
David: I’m reading a few books… The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, Dog Years by Mark Doty and 7 Gothic Tales by Isak Dinesen. They are all great.
ETO: Your guilty literary pleasure?
David: I’m not guilty about any literary pleasure. I’m really not!
ETO: Have you had the chance to visit Toronto before?
David: It's been a long time but I was actually here for a conference in the late 90’s.
ETO: What Toronto hot spots are you most looking forward to checking out while you're in Toronto?
David: I don’t know. I am also a photographer so definitely places I can go to take great pictures.
ETO: What is the one thing you want readers to take away after reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle?
David: I’d like them to see their dogs differently than they do today.
About The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
A riveting family saga, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle explores the deep and ancient alliance between humans and dogs, and the power of fate through one boy's epic journey into the wild.
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 companion. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar's uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelle's 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. Edgar flees into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm. He 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.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is available everywhere on June 10, 2008!
Author Links:
David Wroblewski Offical Website: http://www.davidwroblewski.com
Random House Of Canada: http://www.randomhouse.ca
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