by Jonathan Safran Foer
published 2005
completed June 2011
I'm finally getting around to writing my review on Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. This one is for Trish, of Love Laughter and a Touch of Insanity. I read it on her recommendation and she requested that I review it soon, so here goes. Her review is much better than mine, so make sure to check it out.
As most know, this book centers around Oskar Schell, a nine year-old who lost his father on 9/11. It also winds an additional narrative of a married couple with a strangely dysfunctional relationship. As the story unfolds, the reader discovers how these stories intersect.
Let me start by saying that I adored Oskar, despite him being extremely precocious. I rarely laugh out loud when reading, and the first few pages had me roaring (which garnered me a few strange looks from my husband). I found Oskar's method of pseudo-swearing hilarious. Jonathan Safran Foer created an incredibly believable voice for Oskar. He walked the line often between funny and heartbreaking. Every time Oskar had heavy boots, my heart ached.
The second narrative is where I started to have reservations. Oskar and his story felt real to me, but it was a stretch for me to believe many of the occurrences in the couple's narrative. For those who have read it, I particularly had difficulty with the "nothing" and "something" spaces, and the tattooed hands. I understand what they represent, and I respect what he was trying to evoke, but for me, the story would have rang more true if their situations hadn't seemed as contrived.
Foer's writing is impressive when he's describing the emotional impact of real-life situations. This is where he shines. Ultimately, this is a story about grief, and his choice to juxtapose Oskar's grief with the grief surrounding the aftermath of the Dresden bombings was brilliant. Sometimes I focus on the lives lost in these devastating wars or acts of violence, but those left behind are central to the story. It's heartbreaking to reflect on how the lives of the survivors are destroyed, and they have to find a way to rebuild themselves around their grief and loss.
The bottom line is that I didn't love this book, but I unequivocally do not regret reading it. Foer is a brilliant writer. The gimmicks and experimental nature of the book were a slight distraction to me from what could have been a book that I loved. Do not let my thoughts detract you from reading it. Many people love Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, for the very reasons that were drawbacks for me. I would highly recommend it, despite the fact that it didn't 100% work for me.
Have you read Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close? If so, what you think about Foer's unconventional approach?
I really loved this one, though I understand why it wouldn't work for every reader. And I really know what you mean about being glad you read a book even if it didn't completely work for you.
ReplyDeleteNice review, Kristi! I felt exactly like you did - I found the book okay, but didn't love it. I loved your comment that the gimmicks were a distraction. I felt the same way. I found Foer's website gimmicky too :)
ReplyDeleteNymeth--I think this is one of those books that you either love the unconventional approach or it's a distraction. I'm glad it worked for you.
ReplyDeleteVishy--I'm glad I'm not the only one that found it a little gimmicky. I felt like something was wrong with me that I wasn't falling in love with it like everyone else. I haven't checked out his website. I'll have to go and do that to see what you mean.
I felt pretty much like you did. I adored Oskar but the married couple narrative left me confused and wanting. I wish Foer would stop showing off so much and just write like he does in the Oskar sections! He has a gift but I think he messes around too much to show off and it gets on my nerves. Wonderful review. I'm very curious about the movie version that is coming out.
ReplyDeleteJenners--I found the married couple confusing too. It did feel a little like showing off, but I can see how others liked that aspect. I'm curious about the movie version too. I really wonder how they'll manage both narratives.
ReplyDeleteOh, don't feel bad!! I struggled with this one for a long time--actually put it down and picked it back up after a long break--and then something just clicked for me. But I just had another friend read it and not love it either. And I absolutely agree that it can feel gimmicky at times--and I finished the book with lots of questions--particularly about the second and third narrative parts. But Oskar--isn't he great?
ReplyDeleteI loved this one too, but I read it way before I started blogging. Sometimes I wonder if I would have been more critical of it if I read it now. I love your honest review though. It's important to explain why books do or don't work for us!
ReplyDeleteTrish--Even though I didn't love this one, it is a book I will likely never forget. I loved Oskar so much! Just getting to know his character made the entire book worth reading for me. Having a nine year old myself, added to the heartbreak. I can't imagine him having to deal with such tragedy. Thanks for recommending it.
ReplyDeleteMelissa--So true! I think because I know I'm going to have to explain what I liked and didn't like about a book it makes me more critical when I'm reading. In some ways I feel like it's a shame to be more critical, but in other ways I'm hoping it helps me to be able to be open about the book in a way that may help someone decide if it's a worthwhile read for them.
I've had my hand on this book a couple of times at the book store but somehow I just didn't think it was for me. Your review does sound compelling, though. I might give it a try in the new year.
ReplyDeleteTrish--I hope if you eventually pick it up, that you'll enjoy it. I think it's usually a love it or loathe it kind of book. I'm probably a rare one that found it lukewarm.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I intend to buy this book before the movie comes out, so your review made me lower my expectations a little. I've heard so many good things about it that it might not live up to the hype. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I loved this book when I first read it. I haven't reread it yet but it's probably time. I wonder if I would still love it?
ReplyDeleteDarlyn--It always helps me when I lower my expectations on books that are generally loved. It's difficult to live up to as much hype as this book has received. I hope you enjoy it. It's still a very good book. I'm with you too on reading the book first. I always read the book first if there is a movie adaptation.
ReplyDeleteVasilly--Thanks for stopping by. I always wonder whether books I love will hold up to a reread. I hope you enjoy it as much the second time around.
I absolutely loved this book, it is one of my favorites. I see why it wouldn't work for some people, but I just completely bought all the stories.
ReplyDeleteI'm very worried about the movie, though. I don't see how this could make a great movie, the narrative is so linked to the way it's written. But I hear a good job was done for "Everything is illuminated", so fingers crossed.
I’ve had my eye on this book for quite awhile, but had no idea what it was about. Sounds like an interesting book and worthy of a 2012 read.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can think of nothing better than a pair of raised eyebrows directed my way after an unexpected gasp or laugh or Noooo... Love it that books can do that!
Larissa-I've been wondering how they were going to manage the movie. With the two storylines it seems like it would be really difficult to follow in movie format. I hope it works well. I'll probably go and see it either way.
ReplyDeleteTwo Bibliomaniacs--I hope you enjoy it if you do read it. I think the movie is coming out sometime in 2012. It's definitely unique and does have some really great characters.
Oh, no - I'm sorry that you didn't love this one! It's one of my favorites. I actually just posted about it in my "10 Books I want to Gift" this year... bah! :)
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