In 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,' a young boy named Oskar Schell embarks on a poignant quest across New York City to uncover the mystery behind a key left by his father, who perished in the 9/11 attacks. As he navigates the diverse lives of strangers, Oskar grapples with his grief and a profound sense of loss. The narrative intertwines Oskar's story with that of his grandparents, revealing family secrets and heartbreaking histories. Foer's innovative use of typography and imagery enhances the emotional depth of the tale, inviting readers to experience the world through Oskar's unique perspective. This deeply moving novel challenges us to confront the complexities of love, loss, and the connections that bind us together.
By Jonathan Safran Foer
Published: 2005
"'But the thing about the truth is, it can be a lot of things at once; it can be things that don't belong together, things that don't always feel true, and things that change when you look at them from a different angle.'"
Jonathan Safran Foer emerged as one of the most original writers of his generation with his best-selling debut novel, Everything Is Illuminated. Now, with humor, tenderness, and awe, he confronts the traumas of our recent history. What he discovers is solace in that most human quality, imagination. Meet Oskar Schell, an inventor, Francophile, tambourine player, Shakespearean actor, jeweler, pacifist, correspondent with Stephen Hawking and Ringo Starr. He is nine years old. And he is on an urgent, secret search through the five boroughs of New York. His mission is to find the lock that fits a mysterious key belonging to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11. An inspired innocent, Oskar is alternately endearing, exasperating, and hilarious as he careens from Central Park to Coney Island to Harlem on his search. Along the way he is always dreaming up inventions to keep those he loves safe from harm. What about a birdseed shirt to let you fly away? What if you could actually hear everyone's heartbeat? His goal is hopeful, but the past speaks a loud warning in stories of those who've lost loved ones before. As Oskar roams New York, he encounters a motley assortment of humanity who are all survivors in their own way. He befriends a 103-year-old war reporter, a tour guide who never leaves the Empire State Building, and lovers enraptured or scorned. Ultimately, Oskar ends his journey where it began, at his father's grave. But now he is accompanied by the silent stranger who has been renting the spare room of his grandmother's apartment. They are there to dig up his father's empty coffin.
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“'But the thing about the truth is, it can be a lot of things at once; it can be things that don't belong together, things that don't always feel true, and things that change when you look at them from a different angle.'”
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
By Jonathan Safran Foer
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jonathan Safran Foer is an acclaimed American author, known for his inventive storytelling and intricate explorations of human connection. His notable works include the bestselling novels 'Everything Is Illuminated,' 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,' and 'Here I Am.' Foer's writing style often blends elements of magical realism and poignant humor, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of modern life. In addition to fiction, he has written non-fiction, including 'Eating Animals,' which critiques industrial farming and promotes ethical eating practices. Foer is recognized for his ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader social issues, making his work both accessible and thought-provoking.
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