Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is an inventor, amateur entomologist, Francophile, letter writer, pacifist, natural historian, percussionist, romantic, Great Explorer, jeweller, detective, vegan, and collector of butterflies. When his father is killed in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre, Oskar sets out to solve the mystery of a key he discovers in his father's closet. It is a search which leads him into the lives of strangers, through the five boroughs of New York, into history, to the bombings of Dresden and Hiroshima, and on an inward journey which brings him ever closer to some kind of peace.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
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Jonathan Safran Foer has emerged as one of the most original writers of his generation. --Booklist
Safran Foer is a writer of considerable brilliance. --Guardian --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Safran Foer is a writer of considerable brilliance. --Guardian --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
From the Back Cover
Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is an inventor, amateur entomologist, computer consultant, Francophile, letter writer, pacifist, amateur astronomer, natural historian, percussionist, romantic, Great Explorer, jeweller, origamist, detective, vegan and collector of butterflies.
When his father is killed in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, Oskar sets out to solve the mystery of a key he discovers in his father’s closet. It is a search which leads him into the lives of strangers, through the five boroughs of New York, into history, to the bombings of Dresden and Hiroshima, and on an inward journey which brings him ever closer to some kind of peace...
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Unlike the other reviews I didn't find this book confusing, though at times I was frustrated by it. I found the characterisation to be superb and over-shadowed the pseudo-stylistics of the book; which on the whole was incredibly engrossing. The story is subtle, as is the humour which manages to be moving at the same time. On one level the book is about one boy's personal journey to find peace, yet on another it is a covert social commentary - embodying all of the fear of post 9/11 America without ever overtly explaining anything about the incident. You will either love or hate the author's style. I for one found it frustrating at times when I would've preferred continuous prose, but that is not what the book is about. With private letters from two main characters to their son and grandson and the surreal thoughts and feelings of Oskar Schell (probably the most interesting character created in contemporary fiction), a 9 year old who has lost his father in the September 11th attacks, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" manages to move you without being overly sentimental, amuse you without trying and entertain you as it takes in over 60 years of history without ever explaining the facts. It is neither pushy nor patronising and is wholly original in concept. Very impressive stuff.
91 of 97 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Oskar is a nine year old living in New York, who lost his Father in 9/11. Whilst he is going through his things he accidently smashes a vase and comes across a key. Oskar is sure that the key belonged to his father and so attempts to search for which of the 162 million locks in New York it might open, in an attempt to make sense of the tragedy and keep something of his Father alive.
A parrallel narrative involves Oskar's grandparents, their relationship and the similarity between the Dresden bombings (which they witnessed) and 9/11.
I have to say that I approached this novel with some trepidation, fearing an overly sentimental or schmaltzy examination of 9/11, but I needn't have worried. With the exception of 'If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things' by Jon McGregor, this novel would have to be as close to perfection as I have ever read.
The writing is moving and poetic, with plenty of word-play. It's challenging and funny without ever taking the obvious and tested methods. I would have to say that the writing might not be to everyone's taste, there is plenty of mulling over and description, but for me this just added to the experience.
I loved Oskar and although it is hard to believe that a nine year old would be so accomplished it isn't impossible. There are many explorations in this novel of how people attempt to cope with or make sense of loss. I found the grandfather's story the most moving...to leave an unborn child becasue you can't cope with the thought that one day you may lose it.
I cried through large chunks of this book, and even though it could have been my hormones, it might be one to avoid if you have recently suffered bereavement or if you're going through a rough patch.
I'd give it six stars if I could. Remarkable.
A parrallel narrative involves Oskar's grandparents, their relationship and the similarity between the Dresden bombings (which they witnessed) and 9/11.
I have to say that I approached this novel with some trepidation, fearing an overly sentimental or schmaltzy examination of 9/11, but I needn't have worried. With the exception of 'If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things' by Jon McGregor, this novel would have to be as close to perfection as I have ever read.
The writing is moving and poetic, with plenty of word-play. It's challenging and funny without ever taking the obvious and tested methods. I would have to say that the writing might not be to everyone's taste, there is plenty of mulling over and description, but for me this just added to the experience.
I loved Oskar and although it is hard to believe that a nine year old would be so accomplished it isn't impossible. There are many explorations in this novel of how people attempt to cope with or make sense of loss. I found the grandfather's story the most moving...to leave an unborn child becasue you can't cope with the thought that one day you may lose it.
I cried through large chunks of this book, and even though it could have been my hormones, it might be one to avoid if you have recently suffered bereavement or if you're going through a rough patch.
I'd give it six stars if I could. Remarkable.
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having really enjoyed 'Everything is Illuminated' I approached this with caution. I was prepared to be disappointed by 'second book syndrome'. However, having read this it seems that Jonathan Safran Foer is a real talent and not a one book wonder. This is modern literature at its best. The book is witty, insightful and incredibly sad.
Like 'Everything is Illuminated' this is a book written from several viewpoints. We have the story of Oskar whose father was a victim of 9/11 searching New York a lock to fit a key he finds in a vase belonging to his father. This is probably the best part of the book and provides its meat. Oskar is 9 years old and has about every hang up you can imagine. In some ways this part of the book reminds me of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' though its never stated that the boy has Asperger's syndrome. Oskar is however obsessive and seems to veer strongly towards an autistic personality.
The second and third parts of the book are more in the magical realist style that Foer used for the story of the shtetl in 'Everything is Illuminated'. It follows the relationship between Oskar's Grandmother and Grandfather who is literally dumb and has to communicate by writing. The relationship begins in Dresden immediately prior to the bombing in 1945 and through this provides a sympathetic analogy to the loss of Oskar's father and of course his Grandmother's son in 9/11.
This is a huge achievement considering that 9/11 is still so fresh in everybody's mind. Brave writing that deserves to be read.
Like 'Everything is Illuminated' this is a book written from several viewpoints. We have the story of Oskar whose father was a victim of 9/11 searching New York a lock to fit a key he finds in a vase belonging to his father. This is probably the best part of the book and provides its meat. Oskar is 9 years old and has about every hang up you can imagine. In some ways this part of the book reminds me of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' though its never stated that the boy has Asperger's syndrome. Oskar is however obsessive and seems to veer strongly towards an autistic personality.
The second and third parts of the book are more in the magical realist style that Foer used for the story of the shtetl in 'Everything is Illuminated'. It follows the relationship between Oskar's Grandmother and Grandfather who is literally dumb and has to communicate by writing. The relationship begins in Dresden immediately prior to the bombing in 1945 and through this provides a sympathetic analogy to the loss of Oskar's father and of course his Grandmother's son in 9/11.
This is a huge achievement considering that 9/11 is still so fresh in everybody's mind. Brave writing that deserves to be read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Do not buy this book on Kindle!
Loved the book BUT it doesn't work on Kindle. The visuals don't translate and the tiny type can't be expanded (by me anyhow). Read more
Published 7 days ago by RSG, Reading
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good read.
Very sad but a good read. Generally liked by my Book Group and therefore did not require much discussion. Normally we have extremely differing views!
Published 1 month ago by Bedtime reader
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Novel, in all senses of the word
I read the book after seeing the film. The book has a challenging and innovative style. Not an easy read, but quirky, vivid, brilliantly written and conceived. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Anne Laird
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting Read
Firstly I would have to agree with other reviews and say that I did find this book to be confusing, it is not always clear as to who is speaking in the chapters but if you... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Justhavingfun
4.0 out of 5 stars
Moving but disappointing ending
Very moving at times. With the impact of loss told from the perspective of several members of the same family. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Gary Phillips
3.0 out of 5 stars
A cultural insight
I bought the book after viewing the film of the same title but found the extra detail in the book a little tedious. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Speedster
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favourite book!
The book arrived ahead of schedule and in great condition! This book is one of the best books I've ever read, I suggest everyone should read it at least once!
Published 3 months ago by Sohvi Riekkinen
3.0 out of 5 stars
CAREFUL - perhaps faulty
I am half way through this book - I'm sure it is going to be good, but at the moment I am completely confused. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Wendle
1.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely Pretentious And Incredibly Awful
"Extremely loud and incredibly close" is a novel published in 2005 by the author Jonathan Safran Foer. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Alistair Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
Was recommended this book by a friend, and what an amazing, very moving read. Have just finished it but am still there with Oskar and his family.
Published 4 months ago by J. Davies
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