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Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close summary
Brief summary
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a heart-wrenching novel by Jonathan Safran Foer. It follows young Oskar Schell as he searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the 9/11 attacks.
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Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close
Summary of key ideas
Exploring Grief and the Human Condition
In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, we meet Oskar Schell, a precocious nine-year-old boy who has recently lost his father in the 9/11 attacks. Oskar, who is also dealing with the loss of his father, embarks on a journey to find the lock that fits a mysterious key he finds in his father's belongings. This journey is symbolic of his quest for closure and understanding.
Oskar's journey takes him all over New York City, where he meets a variety of people, each with their own story of loss and grief. Along the way, he learns about human resilience and the importance of human connection. The people he meets include his grandmother, who lost her entire family in the Dresden bombings during World War II, and a man who survived the Hiroshima bombing.
Understanding History and Personal Trauma
The novel also delves into historical traumas and their impact on individuals and communities. Oskar's grandparents are Holocaust survivors, and their stories of survival and loss deeply affect him. The novel suggests that personal and historical traumas are interconnected, and that understanding one can help us understand the other.
As Oskar continues his journey, he also grapples with his own feelings of guilt and responsibility for his father's death. He feels that if he had been a better son, his father might not have died. This journey is not just about finding the lock that the key fits, but also about finding a way to come to terms with his father's death and his own survivor's guilt.
Embracing the Complexity of Emotions
Throughout the novel, Oskar's emotions are complex and layered. He is grieving the loss of his father, but he is also angry, confused, and guilt-ridden. His journey helps him understand that it's okay to feel all these emotions, and that healing doesn't mean getting rid of them, but learning to live with them.
As Oskar's journey comes to an end, he doesn't find the lock that the key fits. However, he does find a measure of peace and understanding. He realizes that he doesn't need to find the lock to feel close to his father. He carries his father's memory with him, and that's what matters most.
Conclusion: A Journey of Healing and Understanding
In conclusion, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a moving exploration of grief, loss, and the human capacity for resilience. Through Oskar's journey, we learn that healing is not a linear process, and closure is not always about finding answers. Instead, it's about embracing the complexity of our emotions, understanding our own stories, and connecting with others who share our pain. In the end, Oskar's journey is not just about finding a lock, but about finding a way to live with loss.
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What is Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close about?
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that follows a young boy named Oskar as he navigates the aftermath of his father's death in the 9/11 attacks. Oskar sets out on a quest to uncover the secrets his father left behind, and in doing so, discovers the power of love, connection, and the human spirit.
Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close Review
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2005) is a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the journey towards healing. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Featuring a complex, endearing protagonist in young Oskar Schell, the story delves into the depths of human emotions and resilience.
- Through its multilayered narrative and intricate storytelling, the book intertwines past and present, creating a compelling tapestry of memories and connections.
- The book's emotional depth and thought-provoking themes ensure that every page resonates with the reader, evoking a range of feelings and reflections.
Who should read Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close?
Readers who enjoy emotionally powerful and thought-provoking stories
Those interested in exploring themes of grief, loss, and resilience
People who appreciate unique storytelling techniques, such as non-linear narratives and multiple perspectives
Categories with Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close
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Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close FAQs
What is the main message of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close?
The main message is about a young boy's journey to cope with loss and find connection.
How long does it take to read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close?
The estimated reading time varies, but it typically takes hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close a good book? Is it worth reading?
The book is worth reading for its poignant storytelling and exploration of grief and resilience.
Who is the author of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close?
The author of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is Jonathan Safran Foer.
What to read after Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close?
If you're wondering what to read next after Extremely Lound and Incredibly Close, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher