THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE

Richard Poe’s cadenced full-throated performance lets us savor the language in this exquisite first novel about the Sawtelles, a family that slaved for generations to create a breed of super dogs. The point of view jumps from man to dog to baby, and Poe alters his tone tellingly at each transition. Edgar, the desperately awaited only child, is born mute. We first spot his “delicate pink hand” through the eyes of Almondine, the dog that will be his protector and beloved sibling. Enter the dread uncle. When Edgar’s father dies mysteriously, Claude seeks to replace him on the farm—and in his mother’s affections. After confronting his uncle and accidentally taking a life, Edgar is forced into exile in the woods with three of the special dogs. Poe’s voice swells with passion, but he never, ever overplays a line. B.H.C 2009 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]