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Familiaris
The follow-up to the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling modern classic The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Familiaris is the stirring origin story of the Sawtelle family and the remarkable dogs that carry the Sawtelle name.
It is spring 1919, and John Sawtelle's imagination has gotten him into trouble ... again. Now John and his newlywed wife, Mary, along with their two best friends and their three dogs, are setting off for Wisconsin's north woods, where they hope to make a fresh start—and, with a little luck, discover what it takes to live a life of meaning, purpose, and adventure. But the place they are headed for is far stranger and more perilous than they realize, and it will take all their ingenuity, along with a few new friends—human, animal, and otherworldly—to realize their dreams.
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, mysterious and enchanting, Familiaris takes readers on an unforgettable journey from the halls of a small-town automobile factory, through an epic midwestern firestorm and an ambitious WWII dog training program, and far back into mankind's ancient past, examining the dynamics of love and friendship, the vexing nature of families, the universal desire to create something lasting and beautiful, and of course, the species-long partnership between Homo sapiens and Canis familiaris.
It is spring 1919, and John Sawtelle's imagination has gotten him into trouble ... again. Now John and his newlywed wife, Mary, along with their two best friends and their three dogs, are setting off for Wisconsin's north woods, where they hope to make a fresh start—and, with a little luck, discover what it takes to live a life of meaning, purpose, and adventure. But the place they are headed for is far stranger and more perilous than they realize, and it will take all their ingenuity, along with a few new friends—human, animal, and otherworldly—to realize their dreams.
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, mysterious and enchanting, Familiaris takes readers on an unforgettable journey from the halls of a small-town automobile factory, through an epic midwestern firestorm and an ambitious WWII dog training program, and far back into mankind's ancient past, examining the dynamics of love and friendship, the vexing nature of families, the universal desire to create something lasting and beautiful, and of course, the species-long partnership between Homo sapiens and Canis familiaris.
979 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
About the author
David Wroblewski
5 books1,091 followersDavid Wroblewski grew up in rural Wisconsin, not far from the Chequamegon National Forest where The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is set. He earned his master's degree from the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers and now lives in Colorado with his partner, the writer Kimberly McClintock, and their dog, Lola. This is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
April 27, 2024
At 1164 (kindle) pages, this is not a story you can read in a day, nor should you try. This is a book to sink into and spend time inside the pages, but if you read and loved ‘The Story of Edgar Sawtelle’, one of my all-time favourite reads, you will likely not need any encouragement to tackle this mammoth tome, as it shares the story of the years before ’The Story of Edgar Sawtelle’ begins.
’Familiaris’ shares the story of the years before ’The Story of Edgar Sawtelle’ begins. It is a long and winding road of a journey, but it is a journey you won’t want to miss, especially if you read and loved ’The Story of Edgar Sawtelle’.
This story begins slowly, with John Sawtelle in the early years of his life as an adult, which share the years as he and his soon-to-be wife are young and somewhat naive, but also filled with hope for the future. When John comes across a farm that appears deserted that is for sale, he envisions a life there and despite how little funds they have, he knows in his heart that this will be their home, and that despite all the work needed, that they will thrive there. This is where they will begin the work of raising and training exceptional dogs, and where they will raise their children when they come into their lives, as well.
With an old friend, Elbow, by his side, along with Frank, another old friend and a veteran of the war, and So Jack with his horse, Grandaddy, make a great team. Each has their flaws, some physical as a result of the war, but each is eager to help turn this place into something special. Their enthusiasm for what they are creating is what keeps them working hard.
When the dogs enter the picture, there is a tangible sense of change, an essence of both assurance and pleasure that this is what they are meant to do with their lives, to raise and train these dogs to be exceptional. I remember when I read Edgar Sawtelle how much that made me wonder about the Irish Setter I grew up with, as he was relatively young when he arrived in my life, but he had been sent by a previous couple who had bought him from one of our neighbors, then sent him someplace for obedience, and then returned him to the neighbor that they had purchased him from, and thus he became ours. I grew up with him, technically on him, as that is where I took my naps, who I learned to crawl with, and was, more or less, my babysitter.
There’s so much more to this story, so many wonderful characters who are considered family, as well as those who arrive as the years pass. A story that covers a lifetime of hard work, love, loss, and memories. Of family and those who become family as the story evolves. The journeys they went on, the changes over the years.
And, of course, the dogs.
Pub Date: Jun 04 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Blackstone Publishing
August 25, 2024
Received from NetGalley for an honest review, I squealed with excitement as I have been waiting for many years for the follow up to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I have 960 pages ahead of me, but I’ll be back with my thoughts on this one.
Two books, going backwards. I just finished the ARC prequel to The Book of Edgar Sawtelle, which I first read in 2008. After waiting 16 years for this, it was everything I needed, maybe a skosh excessive at times. I will want to ponder Familiaris a bit before I can really review it, the book takes you on a journey you never want up end - so to continue I think I’ll take another run at the original to tie it all together and truly see the forest for the trees. I pray the author comes to Mellen, WI, it could be worth the trip, scene of the crime as it were. My heart is full after this. Hold up.
As I mentioned, Familiaris is the prequel to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I read Edgar 16 years ago when it was chosen as an Oprah book. That combined with the fact it was written by a local man about a boy and his dog taking place in Northern WI, made it an instant must read for me. I had read that author David Wroblewski was writing a companion book and have been literally waiting for it. It did not disappoint me.
I found the length of the book immediately intimidating. Familiaris is 960 pages long. Once I committed I luxuriated in some of the complicated words and atmospheric scenes. It lays the groundwork for the Story of Edgar Sawtelle as it begins with his grandfather, John Sawtelle, in early adulthood, the strays – both human and canine - he picks up along the way. It was whimsical at times. We often “hear” John thinking and while occasionally the story gets a little lost in the sauce, the side tales draw the story out and often, me in. They end up in Mellon, WI as John finds a farm there that appears to be empty and for sale. He doesn’t know why but he needs to buy it and puts in an offer without sharing that detail with his betrothed, Mary. Ultimately, through an interesting twist, they buy the property and begin to assemble a motley crew. Each character is likable and brings something to the greater story in their own right. Elbow is a good friend from childhood who is a talented wood maker, Frank is a veteran of the Great War who is sprung from the Veterans hospital and So Jack and his horse, Grandaddy, have their own unusual tale. I found myself rooting for everyone.
Separate from John Sawtelle and his gang, there is a story of Walter who comes upon baby Ida – found in the ash after the Peshtigo fire (I do love a bit of WI history, this fire happened the same night as the Chicago fire. It did not get as much press as a result and devastated the area, it is on record as the deadliest wild fire in the US). Walter and Ida’s story converges with Sawtelle as Walter opens a general store in Popcorn Corners just up a piece from Mellon. There is some magical realism in their story which I found compelling, a bit weird but also delightful.
The story and how it unfolds takes a village, and this is a village I can get behind. It reminds me of button soup, how everyone brings something different to add the broth and the result is glorious. We learn about the dogs, the foundation of all things. We learn how Mary and John shape and develop their unique the dog whelping/ training business. Separate from the dogs, it is as if each character finds their own success while also finding themselves on the farm. Each characters aspiration takes a unique direction and away from the farm but in the end they are friends who are also a chosen family. There is some darkness but I felt it was generally painless and selfless.
Late in the book, we, the reader, learn how Edgar’s dad, Gar, and his brother Claude enter the picture, and the fissure there that grows between them. This difficult relationship is a cornerstone of Edgar’s story.
I re-read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle on the heels of Familiaris and I am so glad I did. The story is darker and heavier than I remembered, perhaps especially so following the gathering light of Familiaris. It is rather amazing how the Edgar story made sense standing alone but so much more sense and depth building upon the foundation of Familiaris. I marveled at the details now that I could see where the threads began. This book is a 5 star for me because I appreciate nostalgia, atmosphere and well told story, this book brought all of that and more for me. It was a pleasure to read.
Two books, going backwards. I just finished the ARC prequel to The Book of Edgar Sawtelle, which I first read in 2008. After waiting 16 years for this, it was everything I needed, maybe a skosh excessive at times. I will want to ponder Familiaris a bit before I can really review it, the book takes you on a journey you never want up end - so to continue I think I’ll take another run at the original to tie it all together and truly see the forest for the trees. I pray the author comes to Mellen, WI, it could be worth the trip, scene of the crime as it were. My heart is full after this. Hold up.
As I mentioned, Familiaris is the prequel to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I read Edgar 16 years ago when it was chosen as an Oprah book. That combined with the fact it was written by a local man about a boy and his dog taking place in Northern WI, made it an instant must read for me. I had read that author David Wroblewski was writing a companion book and have been literally waiting for it. It did not disappoint me.
I found the length of the book immediately intimidating. Familiaris is 960 pages long. Once I committed I luxuriated in some of the complicated words and atmospheric scenes. It lays the groundwork for the Story of Edgar Sawtelle as it begins with his grandfather, John Sawtelle, in early adulthood, the strays – both human and canine - he picks up along the way. It was whimsical at times. We often “hear” John thinking and while occasionally the story gets a little lost in the sauce, the side tales draw the story out and often, me in. They end up in Mellon, WI as John finds a farm there that appears to be empty and for sale. He doesn’t know why but he needs to buy it and puts in an offer without sharing that detail with his betrothed, Mary. Ultimately, through an interesting twist, they buy the property and begin to assemble a motley crew. Each character is likable and brings something to the greater story in their own right. Elbow is a good friend from childhood who is a talented wood maker, Frank is a veteran of the Great War who is sprung from the Veterans hospital and So Jack and his horse, Grandaddy, have their own unusual tale. I found myself rooting for everyone.
Separate from John Sawtelle and his gang, there is a story of Walter who comes upon baby Ida – found in the ash after the Peshtigo fire (I do love a bit of WI history, this fire happened the same night as the Chicago fire. It did not get as much press as a result and devastated the area, it is on record as the deadliest wild fire in the US). Walter and Ida’s story converges with Sawtelle as Walter opens a general store in Popcorn Corners just up a piece from Mellon. There is some magical realism in their story which I found compelling, a bit weird but also delightful.
The story and how it unfolds takes a village, and this is a village I can get behind. It reminds me of button soup, how everyone brings something different to add the broth and the result is glorious. We learn about the dogs, the foundation of all things. We learn how Mary and John shape and develop their unique the dog whelping/ training business. Separate from the dogs, it is as if each character finds their own success while also finding themselves on the farm. Each characters aspiration takes a unique direction and away from the farm but in the end they are friends who are also a chosen family. There is some darkness but I felt it was generally painless and selfless.
Late in the book, we, the reader, learn how Edgar’s dad, Gar, and his brother Claude enter the picture, and the fissure there that grows between them. This difficult relationship is a cornerstone of Edgar’s story.
I re-read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle on the heels of Familiaris and I am so glad I did. The story is darker and heavier than I remembered, perhaps especially so following the gathering light of Familiaris. It is rather amazing how the Edgar story made sense standing alone but so much more sense and depth building upon the foundation of Familiaris. I marveled at the details now that I could see where the threads began. This book is a 5 star for me because I appreciate nostalgia, atmosphere and well told story, this book brought all of that and more for me. It was a pleasure to read.
August 26, 2024
My short description: I loved it. To say it is about dogs is only true in part. It is first and foremost about people. Secondly, I'd say it is about life. People and a life spent are one in the same to me, but not all books make it seem that way. This one does, for me anyway. The story spans nearly the entirety of a character's life, or saying lives would be more accurate, because there are many characters here, and many paths. Somehow, even with the branching of those paths, the story remains a linear one with a touch of other things that I won't even try to describe. It does not forget where it began, and the end made me think of the many instances crossed along the way. Kudos to the author for this ability.
July 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️'s
This is a difficult review to write. There were parts of the book I loved, but others I struggled with. There were many sideline stories that I felt were unnecessary and too long. Just a little background would have been nice. Other characters I would have liked more information about. Claude, where did he go? I also wanted more on Ida, Frank and Elbow. Forget the pages about dog training and record keeping and give me a soul deep character.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading about the dogs. But for me less would have been more.
Now I need to mention Ida and Walter. I don't want to give any spoilers, but why is this in the book? A little magic with an overlay of mythical is the description of Ida. What was her true roll in the lives of the Sawtelle's? Again, I wanted more, more of a connection. More of Ida's voice.
The whole book is a love story that surrounds the main characters John and Mary. It spans their entire lives from the time they meet to the end of their days. And what a love story it is! This, this is the heart of the book. And it is so enjoyable.
"But how does the story of a life begin? Or in the case of Familiaris, the story of a thousand lives?"
The above quote sums up the books theme and also has me contemplating; "How does the story of a life begin?"
Thank you to David Wroblewski and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of this wonderful book. I won it in a goodreads giveaway. Also thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC.
This is a difficult review to write. There were parts of the book I loved, but others I struggled with. There were many sideline stories that I felt were unnecessary and too long. Just a little background would have been nice. Other characters I would have liked more information about. Claude, where did he go? I also wanted more on Ida, Frank and Elbow. Forget the pages about dog training and record keeping and give me a soul deep character.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading about the dogs. But for me less would have been more.
Now I need to mention Ida and Walter. I don't want to give any spoilers, but why is this in the book? A little magic with an overlay of mythical is the description of Ida. What was her true roll in the lives of the Sawtelle's? Again, I wanted more, more of a connection. More of Ida's voice.
The whole book is a love story that surrounds the main characters John and Mary. It spans their entire lives from the time they meet to the end of their days. And what a love story it is! This, this is the heart of the book. And it is so enjoyable.
"But how does the story of a life begin? Or in the case of Familiaris, the story of a thousand lives?"
The above quote sums up the books theme and also has me contemplating; "How does the story of a life begin?"
Thank you to David Wroblewski and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of this wonderful book. I won it in a goodreads giveaway. Also thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC.
May 14, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read in return for an honest review. Without a doubt, the writing here is superb. Characters jump off the page with voices and actions and quirks that will remind you of people you know, and life events both joyous and tragic. I turned the pages quickly, eager to live the next adventures in the life of John Sawtelle and his wife Mary and their band of cohorts. And, of course, the marvelous dogs. But two-thirds through the 950+ pages, the narrative seemed (to me) to lose its way, and I began skimming. At perhaps 300 pages shorter, this book would have been a perfect five stars.
July 6, 2024
The writing is lovely, but it’s just too much, too long, too slow. I loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, so I had high hopes.
July 6, 2024
4.5 stars
This long awaited prequel to The Story of Edward Sawtelle is massive in volume but it is a wonderful story and well worth the time to read. It was a slow start for me but soon I was engrossed and reminded of the excellent writing from this author, David Wroblewski.
I agree with some other reviewers that the book could have been shorter but I am happy to have read it and would certainly recommend it to others who also loved The story of Edward Sawtelle.
This long awaited prequel to The Story of Edward Sawtelle is massive in volume but it is a wonderful story and well worth the time to read. It was a slow start for me but soon I was engrossed and reminded of the excellent writing from this author, David Wroblewski.
I agree with some other reviewers that the book could have been shorter but I am happy to have read it and would certainly recommend it to others who also loved The story of Edward Sawtelle.
July 1, 2024
This book.
Damn.
It has a lot to live up to. Of all the books in the world that I've read up to now, its predecessor, THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE is a book that, for something like 16 years, I have labeled as my favourite novel of all time. The weird thing? I can't put my finger on exactly why. Maybe it's the characters. Maybe it's the story. Maybe it's the dogs. Maybe it's the gorgeous writing.
But it's my favourite book. So, FAMILIARIS has a lot of work to do.
And honestly, while there's no real plot beyond it being, in the first half, THE STORY OF JOHN SAWTELLE, it's truly enjoyable. It meanders here. It meanders there. It brings you to a certain point, then stops, jumps locations and characters, and starts all over again. The villains that show up are dispatched quickly and mostly off-stage. There's no slow build of tension as any reasonable book has, but there's tension throughout. Characters come and go. Some come back, some don't.
Then, in the second half, it kind of does all that again, but with Gar and Claude, John's sons. So, for a while, it becomes THE STORY OF GAR AND CLAUDE SAWTELLE. I will say I had a harder time with this section, primarily because of the business one of the sons was engaged in. I found it hard to believe he'd do this, raised in the Sawtelle home.
So, there's a good two to three hundred pages that I would rate more a 3.5 stars, rather than five.
And then, toward the end, it becomes THE DIARY OF JOHN SAWTELLE, which was both frustrating and illuminating.
But through it all, there was fear, and laughter, and anger, and frustration, and hope, and inspiration, and despair, and hate, and heartbreak.
Ultimately, this is a book about lives. About setting out to do something magical and, sometimes pulling it off, sometimes not.
This shouldn't work as a novel. But it does.
It does not supplant my ranking of EDGAR SAWTELLE as the best book I've ever read, but I'd say its a worthy successor to it, and an interesting prequel to that novel.
I can only hope we don't have to wait until 2040 for the next Wroblewski work.
Damn.
It has a lot to live up to. Of all the books in the world that I've read up to now, its predecessor, THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE is a book that, for something like 16 years, I have labeled as my favourite novel of all time. The weird thing? I can't put my finger on exactly why. Maybe it's the characters. Maybe it's the story. Maybe it's the dogs. Maybe it's the gorgeous writing.
But it's my favourite book. So, FAMILIARIS has a lot of work to do.
And honestly, while there's no real plot beyond it being, in the first half, THE STORY OF JOHN SAWTELLE, it's truly enjoyable. It meanders here. It meanders there. It brings you to a certain point, then stops, jumps locations and characters, and starts all over again. The villains that show up are dispatched quickly and mostly off-stage. There's no slow build of tension as any reasonable book has, but there's tension throughout. Characters come and go. Some come back, some don't.
Then, in the second half, it kind of does all that again, but with Gar and Claude, John's sons. So, for a while, it becomes THE STORY OF GAR AND CLAUDE SAWTELLE. I will say I had a harder time with this section, primarily because of the business one of the sons was engaged in. I found it hard to believe he'd do this, raised in the Sawtelle home.
So, there's a good two to three hundred pages that I would rate more a 3.5 stars, rather than five.
And then, toward the end, it becomes THE DIARY OF JOHN SAWTELLE, which was both frustrating and illuminating.
But through it all, there was fear, and laughter, and anger, and frustration, and hope, and inspiration, and despair, and hate, and heartbreak.
Ultimately, this is a book about lives. About setting out to do something magical and, sometimes pulling it off, sometimes not.
This shouldn't work as a novel. But it does.
It does not supplant my ranking of EDGAR SAWTELLE as the best book I've ever read, but I'd say its a worthy successor to it, and an interesting prequel to that novel.
I can only hope we don't have to wait until 2040 for the next Wroblewski work.
July 15, 2024
3 1/2 stars rounded up. This could have been a 5’rated book but there was just too much bloat here.
August 1, 2024
This is the author who wrote the excellent book "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" in 2008. I loved that book and had such high hopes for this one, supposedly a prequel to Edgar Sawtelle. This book is an Oprah pick for the summer, and could have been great. At nearly 1000 pages long, this book was ridiculously ponderous. The story was about John and Mary Sawtell's move out into the country to make a fresh start raising incredibly well-trained dogs that were ultimately used in WW2. The author kept digressing from the story into long-winded philosophical observations and non-sequitors that had little to do with the main plot. Where were the editors? Too long, too slow. I gave up after 500 pages. Not for me at all. This wins the prize for biggest bookish disappointment in a long time.
June 22, 2024
It took me a little to get into this book. I considered a DNF...but am so glad I persevered. Once I understood the characters and their motives, I was hooked. It truly is a wonderful book,! Great characters whom I loved and some I totally disliked. I am now reading Edgar Sawtelle and so glad I had all the background to the story. Read together, what an amazing set!
April 24, 2024
Familiaris is a prequel to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (SES), relating the back story of the special dogs but mostly centering around John Sawtelle, his wife Mary and friends Frank and Elbow. In a smoothly written style, we learn the details of John's observation and training of the dogs. We follow his family and friends through the years including the birth and raising of Edgar and Claude as well as discover the motivation behind Claude's subsequent actions in SES. Other subplots include finely tuned wood boxes, interludes of the Goddess Nix and gourmet cooking. Familiaris is a wide scope portrait of an American family in the structure of the 20th Century relating many of the values and themes to be found in that context. Adroitly proposed through narration and plotting are many questions; for example, what is the course of life all about? What is our place there? Does hard and virtuous work count more than the complexities of individual identity? Bitter losses and gory life events are counterbalanced by optimism and perhaps even, interestingly, supernatural forces and are not indulged in morbidly. One is left with a sense of satisfaction after gazing across these special years and prepared for the events yet to be in the SES.
June 30, 2024
This is the type of book that makes me wish for more rating options. It is a long novel--992 pages--and it contains an incredibly moving story, beautiful prose, and several imaginative storylines. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because the author appeared to get sidetracked a few times along the way. I love beautiful language and if the book is written well enough, I savor every word. Whenever I find myself tempted to skim, regardless of how great the majority of the book is, I know I have to knock the rating down a bit from 5 stars. Spoiler alert: there is a section that includes animal cruelty and I definitely jumped ahead through that part, too.
Read
June 19, 2024I didn’t finish. Gave it 10 hours, and still kind of boring. Don’t know why I ever start an Oprah book. They never interest me.
July 22, 2024
There are many great storytellers, but IMHO only a precious few Storytellers (with a capital S). David Wroblewski is a Storyteller. This was my first Wroblewski novel, and I’m so glad I listened to it (and subsequently bought the hardback for my library) so I didn’t miss a single, solitary word.
I spent 35 hours in upstate Minnesota on a journey with John and Mary Sawtelle and their friends Elbow, Frank, and So Jack in a mesmerizing story set in the 1910s to 1950s. This is 100% a character-driven novel (my favorite). There really isn’t a plot outside of “a very interesting young man named John marries Mary and they randomly buy a farm in the North Woods and convince their friends to go with them … and then 50 years happen.” It’s told in both linear and non-linear fashion with meticulously written and compelling tangents and backstories for each character that could last several hours. I love me a good backstory!!
In simple, beautiful language Wroblewski describes love, marriage, friendship, war, loyalty, whimsy, betrayal, and loss, while describing the landscape and the seasons so vividly I could literally see it in my mind. He also includes a hearty dose of gorgeously wrought mysticism that pervades the entire novel. Oh, and he writes about DOGS. THE dogs. The imaginary, legendary Sawtelle dogs that I dearly wish weren’t imaginary.
The best way to sum up this book is to blatantly steal Richard Russo’s quote from the back of the book jacket:
“‘Suppose you could do one impossible thing,’” John Sawtelle says in David Wroblewski’s stunning new novel Familiaris. What would you do? Clearly, what the author would do and has done is write this impossibly wise, impossibly ambitious, impossibly beautiful book.”
Side note (for what it’s worth): I’m glad I read Familaris before considering reading the “sequel,” The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I have ZERO interest in reading even one more word about Claude.
I spent 35 hours in upstate Minnesota on a journey with John and Mary Sawtelle and their friends Elbow, Frank, and So Jack in a mesmerizing story set in the 1910s to 1950s. This is 100% a character-driven novel (my favorite). There really isn’t a plot outside of “a very interesting young man named John marries Mary and they randomly buy a farm in the North Woods and convince their friends to go with them … and then 50 years happen.” It’s told in both linear and non-linear fashion with meticulously written and compelling tangents and backstories for each character that could last several hours. I love me a good backstory!!
In simple, beautiful language Wroblewski describes love, marriage, friendship, war, loyalty, whimsy, betrayal, and loss, while describing the landscape and the seasons so vividly I could literally see it in my mind. He also includes a hearty dose of gorgeously wrought mysticism that pervades the entire novel. Oh, and he writes about DOGS. THE dogs. The imaginary, legendary Sawtelle dogs that I dearly wish weren’t imaginary.
The best way to sum up this book is to blatantly steal Richard Russo’s quote from the back of the book jacket:
“‘Suppose you could do one impossible thing,’” John Sawtelle says in David Wroblewski’s stunning new novel Familiaris. What would you do? Clearly, what the author would do and has done is write this impossibly wise, impossibly ambitious, impossibly beautiful book.”
Side note (for what it’s worth): I’m glad I read Familaris before considering reading the “sequel,” The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I have ZERO interest in reading even one more word about Claude.
August 24, 2024
3.5 rounded up. Struggled with momentum and interest through the majority of parts 2 through 4, save for the flashes of brilliance in both word and theme. Parts 5 & 6 made the book worth 4 stars.
I admire the genuine love John and Mary had, and I thoroughly enjoyed Frank’s character arc.
Audiobook
I admire the genuine love John and Mary had, and I thoroughly enjoyed Frank’s character arc.
Audiobook
July 29, 2024
I didn't actually finish this one but I got over 400 pages into it so I think I should get credit for it. Wroblewski is a wonderful writer and I really did enjoy the read but when he went back to when dogs were first domesticated, it was just too much.
August 11, 2024
4+ So enjoyed being immersed in the story of John and Mary and company. Yes, it was very long but that just gave me more time with everyone.
June 26, 2024
The story here is really quite interesting, however it is muffled by the ponderous prose of the author. The book is like wading through mud. This was the book chosen by my book club, and for that reason alone, I kept on to the end. Had I picked it up on my own, it would have been a “did not finish” book. As I understand it, this is a prequel to an earlier novel by the author, which, I have no interest in reading.
July 22, 2024
Familiaris is the follow-up to "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"
The Sawtelles had a special way of training puppies to be exceptional dogs for people all around Wisconsin, and beyond.
In 1919 John and Mary Sawtelle bought a farm in the Northwoods and brought along their friends
"Elbow" and Frank. Frank had lost a hand and a leg in World War II. They did their best to wee
Frank off of Morpheme.
The farm with all of it's outbuilding was the perfect place to raise the dogs.
John and Mary worked together until Mary passed and eventually John passed too.
John's son Edgar took over the dog business.
This was a partnership between man and Canis Familiaris.
Loved this heartwarming story.
The Sawtelles had a special way of training puppies to be exceptional dogs for people all around Wisconsin, and beyond.
In 1919 John and Mary Sawtelle bought a farm in the Northwoods and brought along their friends
"Elbow" and Frank. Frank had lost a hand and a leg in World War II. They did their best to wee
Frank off of Morpheme.
The farm with all of it's outbuilding was the perfect place to raise the dogs.
John and Mary worked together until Mary passed and eventually John passed too.
John's son Edgar took over the dog business.
This was a partnership between man and Canis Familiaris.
Loved this heartwarming story.
June 11, 2024
This is a prequel to the book The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. The main character of Familiaris is John Sawtelle (Edgar’s grandfather) and the book begins with John being a young man looking for property to buy for him and his bride to be, Mary. Once he purchases a farm, two old friends join John and Mary in their new lives. We read about the training of the dogs and the births of Edgar and Claude. This is a chunker of a book (probably could have been edited down quite a bit in my opinion) but if you stick with it you’ll discover a story that is rich and worth your time and effort.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 3, 2024
I actually didn’t finish this book - got 50 pages in and wasn’t into it
June 29, 2024
4.25⭐️ I read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (a retelling of Hamlet) several years ago and it still lingers with me. Familiaris, the prequel, is more than just the origin story of the Sawtelle dogs—it is about found family, betrayal,and unconditional love.
July 23, 2024
WOW! WOW! WOW! If you love dogs and an excellently woven story then this and his other The Tale of Edgar Sawtelle, are for you!
August 6, 2024
After 36 segments of over an hour by audio, I am finally done. Just a story which I liked. If you’re looking for lots of action, this is not your book. A prequel to the Edgar Sawtell book I read years ago. If I remember correctly, the Edgar Sawtell book was better but I really can’t remember. I will have to read “Edgar” again! Lucky me.
July 8, 2024
This has been the longest book I’ve read/listened to in my life. It also has been the best book that I’ve read/listened that I can recall. This isn’t a book you gloss through. It’s a book that you settle into, savor and enjoy. If you like dogs, it makes it all the better. If you don’t, it doesn’t matter-it’s still a great story. The characters, descriptions of the northern Wisconsin landscape and overall storytelling made me laugh, and shed some tears. 37 hours of listening to this audio book wasn’t enough. Bravo, David Wroblewski! You have my standing ovation!
August 7, 2024
Wanted to love this as I had loved Edgar Sawtelle but it didn’t work for me. Forced myself to read 150 pages before abandoning it.
July 2, 2024
What an epic book! I recall very much loving The Story of Edgar Sawtelle 15 years ago, and this prequel, though different, was just as great. At first, I thought it was a bit long, but decided it needed to be to tell the story the way it needed to be told. A must read!
June 30, 2024
If this book had stopped after the early years, I would have rated it higher. Its a beast of a book, so I'm sure it could easily have done so.
It gave me 7 fantastic characters that made me laugh, made me cry, and made me care.
Then we did a time jump, and suddenly its Gar, Claude and too many dogs I didnt care about. Possibly the time to admit I didn't read the first book?
For the most part it was enjoyable if a bit over long, but I missed those early days.
It gave me 7 fantastic characters that made me laugh, made me cry, and made me care.
Then we did a time jump, and suddenly its Gar, Claude and too many dogs I didnt care about. Possibly the time to admit I didn't read the first book?
For the most part it was enjoyable if a bit over long, but I missed those early days.
July 13, 2024
Don't ask me how it ends.
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