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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

By Jonathan Safran Foer
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, a young boy named Oskar Schell embarks on a quest across New York City to uncover the mystery behind a key he finds in his deceased father's belongings. His journey is one of discovery, grief, and healing as he meets various people impacted by the events of 9/11.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy poignant stories about loss and healing, infused with unique narrative styles and a mixture of humour and heartbreak. It delves into the complex emotions of a young boy dealing with tragedy, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate deep, emotional journeys with rich character development.

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In a vase in a closet, a couple of years after his father died in 9/11, nine-year-old Oskar discovers a key... The key belonged to his father, he's sure of that. But which of New York's 162 million locks does it open?

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer is a singular and profoundly moving novel that captures the essence of a boy's quest for understanding amidst heartbreak and loss. This brilliantly inventive work is the follow-up to the acclaimed Everything Is Illuminated, showcasing Foer's extraordinary talent for weaving together emotional depth and imaginative narrative.

At the heart of the story is nine-year-old Oskar Schell, a precocious and unique boy with an array of passions and skills. He is an inventor, amateur entomologist, Francophile, letter writer, pacifist, natural historian, percussionist, romantic, Great Explorer, jeweller, detective, vegan, and collector of butterflies. Oskar's world is thrown into chaos when his father is tragically killed in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre.

In the wake of this tragedy, Oskar discovers a mysterious key hidden in his father's closet. Determined to uncover its purpose and the secrets it may unlock, he embarks on a journey that takes him across the five boroughs of New York City. As he navigates this vast metropolis, Oskar encounters an eclectic ensemble of characters, each with their own story to tell. His quest leads him not only through the city's labyrinthine streets but also through the annals of history, including the harrowing memories of the Dresden bombings and the atomic devastation of Hiroshima.

Oskar's exploration is as much an inward journey as it is an outward one. Each step he takes and each person he meets brings him closer to understanding his father and finding a measure of peace amidst his grief. This touching and sometimes surreal adventure is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of memory and love.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a remarkable narrative filled with sorrow, humour, and unexpected beauty. Jonathan Safran Foer has crafted a compelling and emotionally rich tale that resonates deeply with readers, offering a poignant exploration of loss, family, and the intricate connections that define our lives.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is highly praised for its dazzling and brilliant narrative. It is described as a fearless and acrobatic literary work that effectively combines playful elements with profound emotional depth. The payoff is noted as being extraordinary, leaving a haunting impression on readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141012698

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 May 2006

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 368

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About the Author

Jonathan Safran Foer was born in 1977 in Washington, D.C. He is the author of Everything Is Illuminated, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and Eating Animals. He has also edited a new modern edition of the sacred Jewish Haggadah. Everything Is Illuminated won several literary prizes, including the National Jewish Book Award and the Guardian First Book Award. He edited the anthology A Convergence of Birds: Original Fiction and Poetry Inspired by the Work of Joseph Cornell, and his stories have been published in The Paris Review, Conjunctions and the New Yorker. Foer teaches Creative Writing at New York University, and his forthcoming book, Here I Am, will be published in Autumn 2016 by Hamish Hamilton.

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