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Powell's Q&A, Q&A | December 13, 2009

Powell's Q&A: Norberto Fuentes

0 comments By Norberto Fuentes

Describe your latest project. Norton has just published The Autobiography of Fidel Castro, a novel that took seven years of my life to complete as I... Continue »

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1. 
   $19.56 Sale Hardcover add to wish list

   The Autobiography of Fidel Castro

   Norberto Fuentes

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gbredeson, April 29, 2009

“Sometimes I think it would be weird if there were a skyscraper that moved up and down while its elevator stayed in place. So if you wanted to go to the ninety-fifth floor, you’d just press the 95 button and the ninety-fifth floor would come to you. Also, that could be extremely useful, because if you’re on the ninety-fifth floor, and a plane hits below you, the building could take you to the ground, and everyone could be safe…” (3).

This quote, from the novel Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, shows the speculations of a little boy whose father has died in the 9-11 tragedy. In this book, from Jonathan Safran Foer, the author examines the continuing relationship between one who is lost and those who loved him. He shows the complexity of secrets kept from family and the impact war has on the love of those involved.

The protagonist, Oskar Schell, is a ten-year-old boy living in New York City. After an early release from school one day he returns home. While he plays his voicemails Oskar hears that his dad has left several messages. He tells his son that he is inside the World Trade Center and is waiting to be evacuated. As the messages continue Oskar’s father gets increasingly panicked. The phone suddenly rings but Oskar cannot bring himself to answer.

Days after the burial of an empty casket Oskar wanders into his father’s closet. He finds an envelope marked “Black” and a key inside with no markings. In order to resolve his grief and guilt Oskar decides to go searching for the lock that matches the mysterious key. He meets people named Black from throughout the five boroughs and makes many friends along the way.

Oskar’s story is not the only tale in the novel. Each member of his family deals with the death differently, however they each seem alone. Foer uses the letters from the two incredibly different grandparents to show the relationships between war and the destruction of love. These notes are intertwined with the boy’s journey and speak of the death they saw in WWII as well as the relationship that bloomed from the tragedy. Oskar’s mother tries to find solace in a world that suddenly knows only fear and Oskar cannot understand how his mom seems to be moving on so quickly. Oskar is left to find his own way to resolve his emotions. Overall, the book is about the struggle between love and loss for a family whose members all hide their grief and secrets from each other.

I recommend this novel for those who are interested in reading something spectacular and intriguing. If you love good stories and enjoy those books you just cannot seem to put down, then this one may be for you. Also, anyone who is dealing with the death of a loved one may very likely find comfort in the story. Oskar is so remarkably heartbreaking, yet so incredibly fun that those who have lost someone will be able to relate to his “What if…?” attitude and continuous curiosity. Oskar’s character is so innocent and true that his emotions are relevant to anyone who may be lucky enough to read this book.

Foer’s novel is intriguing and fun to read. It forces the reader into the shoes of an unconventional ten-year-old boy in his search for closure. Foer definitely accomplishes his goals of making Oskar relatable and is able to show the relationship that continues after the death of a loved one. Oskar says what he means and it is nearly impossible not to fall in love with him. The tone of the story changes throughout, sometimes it is sardonic and hilarious and other times it is sullen and regretful. I laughed over and over at his quirky attitude, yet I felt tears in my eyes at other parts. I loved the path I followed and the way Foer led the reader to empathize with Oskar’s emotions. I was impressed with the author’s ability to create such a wonderful character. Oskar’s wild personality has readers constantly speculating and unsure of the next turn he will take, but I was completely willing to hang on for the ride. Foer leaves the readers guessing as he constantly foreshadows ideas and events he waits chapters to evolve. It left me curious and hungry for more.

The heavy symbolism seems to come together completely in the end. Though the last page may not be what one expects, it still leaves the reader feeling whole and glad he had such a wonderful time reading the novel. Foer purposely leaves some questions unanswered, which seemed to mirror how impossible it seems to be to find true closure. The story never leaves the reader hanging, though it may put one on edge.

My expectations were blown away when I began the story; this was definitely a book that I hated to finish. I have never empathized with a character in a novel as much as I did with Oskar. Foer’s style and ideas come together perfectly in a well-polished and experienced manner. The plot unrolls as the reader speeds through the pages, yearning for more. I suggest you do not read too quickly. The book is worth the time and you will regret it when you see it come to an end.

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