Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer (2005): Summary of the Book
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a novel written by the American novelist Jonathan Foer and published in 2005. This book tells the story of a nine-year-old boy, Oskar Schell, who is trying to make sense of the death of his father in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Oskar embarks on a journey to find the lock that matches a mysterious key his father left behind. As he searches, he encounters a range of eccentric characters and learns about love, loss, courage, and hope.
Main Characters
The main characters of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close are Oskar Schell, a nine-year-old boy; Thomas Schell, Oskar’s father; and the mysterious Renter, an elderly man who has been living in Oskar’s grandmother’s apartment.
Plot
The story begins with Oskar Schell, a nine-year-old boy living in New York City, who is trying to make sense of his father’s death in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Oskar discovers a key in a vase in his father’s closet and believes it must be part of some kind of treasure hunt his father left for him. Oskar sets off on a journey to find the lock that matches the key, enlisting the help of a range of eccentric characters he meets along the way. As he searches, Oskar learns about love, loss, courage, and hope.
Themes
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close explores the themes of grief, family, and identity. The novel touches on the universal themes of loss, resilience, and the importance of human connection. It also examines the power of stories and how they can help us make sense of the world. Ultimately, the novel celebrates the power of hope and the belief that we can all find our own way to cope with tragedy.
Interesting Facts
- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close was adapted into a film in 2011, starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock.
- The novel was a finalist for the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize.
- The book was a bestseller and was a top 10 bestseller in the United States.
- The novel has been translated into more than thirty languages.
- The book was adapted into a stage musical in 2016.
FAQs
- Q: What is the book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close about?
A: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a novel written by the American novelist Jonathan Foer and published in 2005. This book tells the story of a nine-year-old boy, Oskar Schell, who is trying to make sense of the death of his father in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Oskar embarks on a journey to find the lock that matches a mysterious key his father left behind. As he searches, he encounters a range of eccentric characters and learns about love, loss, courage, and hope. - Q: Who are the main characters in the novel?
A: The main characters of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close are Oskar Schell, a nine-year-old boy; Thomas Schell, Oskar’s father; and the mysterious Renter, an elderly man who has been living in Oskar’s grandmother’s apartment. - Q: What are the themes explored in the book?
A: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close explores the themes of grief, family, and identity. The novel touches on the universal themes of loss, resilience, and the importance of human connection. It also examines the power of stories and how they can help us make sense of the world. Ultimately, the novel celebrates the power of hope and the belief that we can all find our own way to cope with tragedy. - Q: What are some interesting facts about the book?
A: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close was adapted into a film in 2011, starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. The novel was a finalist for the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. The book was a bestseller and was a top 10 bestseller in the United States. The novel has been translated into more than thirty languages. The book was adapted into a stage musical in 2016.
In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Jonathan Foer has created a powerful and moving story about grief, family, and identity. Through the journey of Oskar, the reader is taken on a journey of love, loss, courage, and hope. The novel is a testament to the power of stories and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a book that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.