David Wroblewski Answers Your Questions

Photo: Marion Ettinger
They're the characters, situations and mysteries about this novel that have been keeping you up at night...now, get answers from the author himself! Watch David Wroblewski answer your questions on video and read his responses to more of your burning questions about Oprah's Book Club pick, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.
David Wroblewski Answers Your Questions on Video—Watch Them All!
- Why wasn't there a happy ending?
- Where did the idea for this book come from?
- Why did you create your own breed, and was Forte based on a real dog?
- Is Trudy flawed or strong, and is she based on a real woman?
- Why did you draw on the story of Hamlet in this novel?
- Was Almondine's character based on a real dog?
- How did Almondine die?
- Why did Claude buy the poison, and why did he really kill Gar?
- Why doesn't Edgar have any relationships outside of the farm?
- What is the significance of Henry and the storm?
- Why don't we ever find out how Edgar's parents met?
- What happens to the Sawtelle dogs?
- Why did Trudy start a relationship with Claude?
- Are you surprised by the book's success, and what was Oprah's aha! moment?
- Is your next project a sequel to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle?
More Answers about The Story of Edgar Sawtelle:
- How structured were you in your writing of this novel?
- What is "crazywalking"?
- Why did you decide to make Edgar mute?
- How do you pronounce Sawtelle and Almondine?
- How do you know so much about training dogs?
- What is a mow?
- Was Almondine "the chosen one"?
- Why did you include the real story of Hachiko?
- What is the significance of the white spot on the grass?
- Who is the old man in Henry's shed?
- What did Ida Paine's premonition refer to?
- What inspired you to use the Chequamegon National Forest in your book?
- Why was Edgar so infatuated with the girl at the commune?
- What is the nature of Claude and Forte's relationship?
- How did Almondine die?
- Is it safe to give Tylenol to animals?
- Who were the three griefs of Part 2?
- Did classic stories inspire you?