Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Book Summary
TL;DR
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close follows nine-year-old Oskar Schell on a heartfelt quest across New York City to uncover the mystery behind a key belonging to his late father who died in the 9/11 attacks, grappling with themes of grief and connection.
What is Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close about
Jonathan Safran Foer's novel, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, delves into the emotional aftermath of the September 11 attacks through the eyes of young Oskar Schell. Oskar, having lost his father, navigates life filled with insomnia, panic, and sorrow while embarking on an adventure across New York City. His journey is not just physical but also emotional, as he seeks to understand his father's death and the impact on his family. The narrative intertwines Oskar's quest with broader themes of coping with tragedy, isolation, and the secrets that families keep, creating a poignant exploration of loss and the complexity of human relationships.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 8 Key Takeaways
Oskar discovers a key belonging to his father.
After his father's death in the 9/11 attacks, Oskar finds a mysterious key hidden in a vase, believing it is a clue that will lead him to something significant about his father's life.
Oskar embarks on a quest across New York City.
Determined to find which lock the key opens, Oskar journeys through New York's five boroughs, meeting strangers and learning their stories, which reflect his own family’s struggles.
Oskar's relationship with his mother and grandmother is strained.
As Oskar processes his grief, his mother's withdrawal and his grandmother's unresolved feelings about her husband create an atmosphere of isolation and emotional distance in their home.
Oskar's experiences reflect various coping mechanisms.
Throughout his adventure, Oskar encounters different characters who embody various ways of dealing with loss, illustrating the individual nature of grief.
The story reveals family secrets and histories.
As Oskar interacts with others, he uncovers stories that connect to his father's past, ultimately leading to revelations that deepen his understanding of his family and their shared pain.
The climax highlights the significance of connection.
In the culmination of Oskar's quest, the connections he forms and the stories he hears emphasize the importance of relationships and shared experiences in overcoming grief.
Oskar faces his fears and learns to cope.
Through his journey, Oskar confronts his panic attacks and insomnia, gradually finding ways to deal with his loss and reconnect with those around him.
The novel ends with a bittersweet resolution.
Oskar's journey concludes not with a definitive answer but with a deeper understanding of his father, his grief, and the importance of moving forward.
Top Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Quotes
- "Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living."
- "I can't go back to my old life; I can't go back to my old life, but I can go forward to some new one."
Who should read Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close?
This novel is best suited for older teens and adults who are ready to engage with profound themes of loss, grief, and the search for connection. Readers will find inspiration in Oskar's quest and insights into the complexities of human emotion.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Best Reviews
- New York Times praises it as "a deeply affecting exploration of grief and connection that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful."
- Kirkus Reviews calls it "a stunningly inventive tale, merging the urgency of a child's quest with the profound depths of loss and remembrance."
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Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close FAQs
What are the main themes in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close?
The main themes include coping with tragedy, isolation, family secrets, and the quest for connection in the aftermath of loss.
Is Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close suitable for young readers?
While it is sometimes assigned in high school, the book addresses serious themes and is better suited for older teens and adults.
How does the book address the events of 9/11?
Though fictional, the story is set against the backdrop of the 9/11 attacks and explores their emotional impact through the eyes of a young boy grieving his father.