Oskar Schell is unlike any 9-year-old boy. Traumatized by the recent death of his father, killed in the 911 attack, Oskar struggles to cope with his loss. In an effort to remain close to his father, he sets out on a quest to find an allusive lock that fits his father’s key. His journey is both absurd and heartbreakingly real. The characters he meets along the way all speak to the inevitable loss humanity is forced to accept. Embodying characteristics of both man and child, Oskar proclaims various talents and occupations, most significantly, inventor. From a birdseed shirt to help us fly away to a special drain for tears below every pillow in New York, he is committed to helping humanity and keeping them safe. He wants everyone to be OK.
Backlit with a story involving his grandparents- a story just as devastating as his own- this novel explores the similarities and differences in emotion people exhibit after shattering loss and trauma. Using mainly journal entries, blank pages, and fragmented thoughts to explore their relationship, Foer creates a complex web of events that is often difficult to follow, but ultimately integral to understanding Oskar's journey through the streets of New York.
Perhaps overly precocious, Oskar’s character can only be described as strange. He always carries a tambourine, insists on wearing white, eats only prepackaged foods, exhibits little emotion except in extreme circumstances, and wanders the streets of New York alone unless in the company of a 103 year-old-reporter. The story is certainly character driven, but with no explanation regarding his odd behavior, it is difficult to make any real connection with Oskar. It’s easy to make assumptions that may explain his quirkiness, but Foer never confirms or denies those assumptions, so you are left wondering whether Oskar is suffering from mental fragility or is simply an unbelievable little boy.
At times, Foer’s imagery feels forced, the story contrived, and the characters lifeless; however, his beautiful and experimental prose along with an insightful look into humanity’s ability to cope with trauma and loss more than make up for the narrator’s lapses in credibility. His work has been sharply criticized as insensitive, bogus, and extravagant, but his work is truly original and risky, which deserves commendation. Packed with riddles, confusion, humor, sadness, and anger, this novel exhibits the many emotions and reactions inherent in grief and loss.
Adult Fiction, FOE
No comments:
Post a Comment