55 pages 1 hour read

Jonathan Safran Foer

Everything Is Illuminated

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer weaves together multiple narratives: a fictional history of the Ukrainian village Trachimbrod, destroyed by Nazis in 1942, and the 1997 journey of Jonathan Safran Foer, a Jewish American, with Ukrainian locals Alex and his grandfather to uncover the past. Their search for a woman named Augustine, who supposedly saved Jonathan’s grandfather, reveals personal and historical connections, highlighting themes of memory, truth, and heritage. The novel contains depictions of physical abuse, sexual assault, murder, and genocide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jonathan Safran Foer's Everything Is Illuminated is applauded for its inventive narrative and compelling prose, blending humor and tragedy. Critics highlight the rich character development and emotional depth. However, some find the interwoven stories complex and the stylistic quirks occasionally challenging. Overall, it's an ambitious and memorable debut.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Everything Is Illuminated?

A reader who enjoys lyrical storytelling, historical narratives, and a blend of humor and tragedy will find Everything Is Illuminated engaging. Fans of Art Spiegelman's Maus and Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will appreciate its unique narrative style and emotional depth.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

880L

Book Details

Genre

Auto/Biographical Fiction

Historical Fiction

Jewish Literature

Period

Holocaust

WWII / World War II

Themes

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Topics

History: World