just read: “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Published 2005
My Rating:  9/10

The majority of EL&IC –a bitch of a title, but don’t let that deter you–is told from the point of view of Oskar Schell, a nine-year-old boy living in Manhattan whose father was killed two years earlier during the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.  After finding a mysterious key supposedly belonging to his father, Oskar embarks on a journey to all boroughs of NYC in search of what the key opens.  Punctuating this main narrative are separate stories told by Oskar’s grandmother and grandfather, who both survived the bombing of Dresden during World War II and their subsequent move to America.

Props to Foer for his originality in writing a printed book containing mixed media aspects and non-linear narration, which all connect and relate to each other in unexpected ways.   Oskar’s preciousness provides a good source of humor and levity that balances out some of the heavy themes in this novel.  But what struck me most about this novel, and granted, I think I am a sentimental type, was how incredibly sad it was.  I’m crying just thinking about the last few pages, omg.  I think the last time I cried this much while reading a book was during The Kite Runner (Did anyone NOT cry during that book?!? Honestly).   It is so well written and interesting; I wish I could say more but ahhh, I’m beginning to tear again…

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