This unforgettable book stunningly juxtaposes the utterly improbable with the emotionally profound. The connections and coincidences as young Oskar seeks to solve a mystery associated with the death of his father, who was in one of the World Trade Center buildings on September 11th, all just seem too amazing. Then again, planes flying into mighty buildings and those mighty buildings collapsing was utterly improbable and unimaginable too, wasn’t it? Then again, too, September 11th is perhaps not quite as singular an event as the 9/11 “industry” would have us believe, as “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” reminds us of historical precedents such as the devastating bombing of Dresden.

Although some of Jonathan Safran Foer’s stylistic effects throughout this book are a bit stagy and distracting, at core is a story of shocked and bereaved human beings trying to find meaning, comfort and solace in the aftermath of shattering events. From Oskar to his grandparents to his mother to the various people Oskar encounters in his quest, many are captivating and all are believable in their individual searches for peace and even a measure of happiness.