TL;DR
Dear Edward is a poignant story about a twelve-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a tragic plane crash and his journey to find meaning and hope amidst overwhelming loss.
What is Dear Edward about
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is a heart-wrenching novel that follows the young Edward Adler, the only survivor of a plane crash that kills his family and 183 other passengers. The book explores Edward's struggle to rebuild his life and find meaning after such profound loss. Set against the backdrop of his new life with his aunt and uncle, Edward’s journey is one of healing, understanding, and ultimately learning to live again. The book delves into themes of grief, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Dear Edward 6 Key Takeaways
Edward's family and 183 others board a plane.
The story begins with Edward Adler and his family boarding a flight from Newark to Los Angeles. Among the diverse passengers are a Wall Street wunderkind and an injured veteran, setting the stage for the diverse range of lives impacted by the impending tragedy.
The plane crashes, leaving Edward as the sole survivor.
Halfway across the country, the plane crashes, killing everyone on board except for twelve-year-old Edward. This catastrophic event serves as the novel's central pivot around which the rest of the story revolves.
Edward struggles to adjust to life with his aunt and uncle.
After the crash, Edward is taken in by his aunt and uncle. He struggles with the overwhelming grief and the challenge of finding his place in a world without his family.
Edward befriends Shay, his next-door neighbor.
Edward forms a deep bond with Shay, a girl his age who lives next door. Shay becomes a crucial part of his support system, helping him navigate the complexities of his new life.
Edward discovers letters addressed to him by the families of the crash victims.
Edward finds letters from the families of the crash victims, each seeking closure and connection. These letters help him understand the impact of the tragedy on others and slowly guide him towards healing.
Edward embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Through the letters and his relationship with Shay, Edward begins to find answers to life’s profound questions. He learns to cope with his loss and starts to rebuild his life with a newfound sense of purpose.
Top Dear Edward Quotes
- “Dear Edward is that rare book that breaks your heart and stitches it back together during a reading experience that leaves you profoundly altered for the better.”—Jodi Picoult
- “Will lead you toward something wonderous, something profound.”—Kevin Wilson
Who should read Dear Edward?
Dear Edward is ideal for readers who appreciate emotionally resonant stories of survival and human resilience. Fans of coming-of-age tales and those who have experienced loss will find this book profoundly moving and cathartic.
Dear Edward Best Reviews
- “Dear Edward is that rare book that breaks your heart and stitches it back together during a reading experience that leaves you profoundly altered for the better.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Mad Honey
- “Will lead you toward something wonderous, something profound.”—Kevin Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Now Is Not the Time to Panic
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Dear Edward FAQs
Is the book Dear Edward based on a true story?
The novel is inspired by the crash of Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 in 2010, which left a young boy as the sole survivor. Ann Napolitano used this real-life event as a jumping-off point to explore themes of survival and resilience.
Is Dear Edward worth reading?
Yes, Dear Edward is well-written and insightful, offering a poignant look at grief and recovery. Although it is heartbreaking, its emotional depth and compelling narrative make it a worthwhile read.
Why did Ann Napolitano write Dear Edward?
Ann Napolitano wrote Dear Edward to explore how someone, particularly a young boy, can learn not just to survive but to truly live after a devastating tragedy. The writing process took eight years, during which Napolitano delved into the necessity of empathy in overcoming grief.