Everything
is Illumated by Jonathan Safran Foer
When
I opened the pages of this book, I remind myself that I had attempted
to read it once before in a lull between summer work ending and the
school year beginning. But that wasn't the only reason there was such
a familiarity in his writing. The way Foer establishes his
character's voices in this novel made me really feel like I knew
them. I found myself almost knowing what they would say, and feeling
like I was "in" on the inside jokes and puns skillfully
intertwined in the tragic story I uncovered with every page turn.
Everything
is Illuminated is both a comical read and an eye-opening experience.
It is a mix of experience and stories from the perspective of a young
American, a young Ukrainian, and the story that is they are putting
together. Because of the frame of reference of being in a culture
different than my own, I found the Young Ukrainan (Alex) interesting
an enlightening. I found his struggle with English extremely
entertaining because he makes mishaps and misunderstandings that I've
heard so many Malagasy make as well.
Unfortunately
- When I came towards the end of Everything is Illuminated I was
reminded of why I had such a difficult time finishing this book. The
ending is so underwhelming and doesn't even come near completing the
story in a fulfilling way. I almost feel as though I missed something
along the way and need to go back and reread the entire thing. But,
because of the familiarity I have with the characters (which I still
feel is the biggest strength in Foer's writing), reading it again
would feel like re-doing an intimate conversation).
I
would recommend this book to people only to know if I actually did
miss out on vital part of the plot....if so, please let me know.
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