First published 2006
Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is reeling from his father's death on 9/11. When Oskar discovers a mysterious key in his father's belongings, he embarks on a quixotic search through New York City, determined to find the lock it fits. Along the way, Oskar encounters a colorful cast of characters, each grappling with their own grief. As he races against time, Oskar's journey becomes a poignant exploration of resilience, imagination, and the meaning of family in the face of unimaginable loss.
Genres: literary-fiction, american-fiction, grief, contemporary, 21st-century, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, grief
Setting: New York, NY, USA
Period: 2003
368 pages · Paperback · PENGUIN
Content warnings: death