JANUARY ENJOYMENT READING
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close By Jonathan Safran Foer
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
by Jonathan Safran Foer
Literary Fiction Novel
368 pages
3 out of 4 stars recommendation ★★★✩
“Life is scarier than death.” pg. 322
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer is a fiction novel detailing the journey of a young boy, named Oskar Schell. Oskar is a bright, highly intelligent and persistent eight year old. The novel depicts his ultimate search of New York City to find the lock to the key he found in his dad’s closet. However since his dad died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks previously, it is a way for him to find another piece of his dad as what remains in Oskar’s memory is fading slowly. In 368 pages, this novel packs in the stories of Oskar’s curious adventures, along with letters from his grandmother and grandfather. Each perspective creates parallel storylines which delve into the meaning of loss and morning. Oskar’s grandmother's perspective provides insight into her life as a teenager in Dresden, Germany before the bombings along with lessons she has now learned with her years. However Oskar’s grandfather’s point of view chronicles the regret he feels for being absent in his son and grandson’s life, which are written in unsent letters addressed to his unborn child and grandson. An at times deflating yet peculiar book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a must read. Told through a uniquely engaging although at times confusing writing style, we learn how to forgive ourselves through the eyes of a little boy mourning the loss of his father’s unfair death. I would recommend this book to not only those who enjoy a well-written fiction novel, but for everyone who is looking for some life-changing and pivotal insight.
by Jonathan Safran Foer
Literary Fiction Novel
368 pages
3 out of 4 stars recommendation ★★★✩
“Life is scarier than death.” pg. 322
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer is a fiction novel detailing the journey of a young boy, named Oskar Schell. Oskar is a bright, highly intelligent and persistent eight year old. The novel depicts his ultimate search of New York City to find the lock to the key he found in his dad’s closet. However since his dad died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks previously, it is a way for him to find another piece of his dad as what remains in Oskar’s memory is fading slowly. In 368 pages, this novel packs in the stories of Oskar’s curious adventures, along with letters from his grandmother and grandfather. Each perspective creates parallel storylines which delve into the meaning of loss and morning. Oskar’s grandmother's perspective provides insight into her life as a teenager in Dresden, Germany before the bombings along with lessons she has now learned with her years. However Oskar’s grandfather’s point of view chronicles the regret he feels for being absent in his son and grandson’s life, which are written in unsent letters addressed to his unborn child and grandson. An at times deflating yet peculiar book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a must read. Told through a uniquely engaging although at times confusing writing style, we learn how to forgive ourselves through the eyes of a little boy mourning the loss of his father’s unfair death. I would recommend this book to not only those who enjoy a well-written fiction novel, but for everyone who is looking for some life-changing and pivotal insight.