This is a prequel to Wroblewsi’s first novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. It is about Edgar’s grandparents, Mary and John Sawtelle, their life in rural Wisconsin, their friends and the many, many Sawtelle dogs that they breed, train and find homes for. Familiaris is a love story and an in depth description of life in rural America from 1919 to 1961.

If you aren’t a “dog person,” don’t read Familiaris. If you don’t like long, descriptive works, don’t read Familiaris. However, if you like man’s best friend, don’t mind spending weeks reading one book, appreciate complex, heart warming characters and long, beautifully descriptive digressions, I highly recommend this novel. I loved Familiaris!!