Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is a novel that was published in January 2020. The book tells the story of a young boy named Edward Adler, who is the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed 191 people, including his parents and brother.
Dear Edward Book Summary
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is a novel that follows the story of twelve-year-old Edward Adler, the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed 191 people, including his parents and older brother. The book is split into two parts. The first is about Edward’s recovery, and the second looks at the lives of some of the other people on the flight before the crash.
In the first part of the novel, Edward moves in with his aunt and uncle in New Jersey, who are struggling to come to terms with their own grief and the responsibility of caring for their young nephew. Edward is haunted by survivor’s guilt and the memories of the crash, but finds solace in the letters and gifts sent to him by well-wishers around the world.
As Edward tries to move forward, he befriends his next-door neighbor, Shay, a girl who is dealing with her own struggles. The two form a close bond and help each other through their difficulties. Edward also begins therapy with Dr. Mike, who helps him work through his survivor’s guilt and trauma.
In the second part of the novel, the focus shifts to the passengers on the plane leading up to the crash. Each chapter focuses on a different passenger, providing a glimpse into their lives and the events that led them to be on the flight. These interweaving narratives create a sense of community among the passengers, and the reader is left with a sense of the complex lives and experiences of the people who were lost in the crash.
Throughout the novel, Napolitano explores themes of grief, loss, and the power of human connection. Edward’s relationships with the people around him, from his therapist to the other kids at school, offer him a lifeline during a difficult time. The novel suggests that it is through our connections with others that we find the strength to move forward in the face of tragedy.
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano Review
Dear Edward is a heartbreaking novel that explores the aftermath of a plane crash and the impact it has on the sole survivor, a young boy named Edward. The novel is an emotional journey that takes the reader through the grief and trauma experienced by Edward as well as the lives of the passengers on the plane leading up to the crash.
The novel is divided into two parts: the first part follows Edward’s journey to recovery as he moves in with his aunt and uncle in New Jersey, and the second part explores the lives of some of the passengers on the plane leading up to the crash. The novel looks at loss, trauma, and the power of human connection through these stories that weave in and out of each other.
Napolitano’s writing is masterful, creating a vivid and immersive world that draws the reader in from the very first page. The characterizations are rich and complex, with each character feeling like a real person with their own hopes, fears, and dreams. The author handles the difficult subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, creating a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
The novel’s protagonist, Edward, is a sympathetic and relatable character. His journey to recovery is a painful one, and Napolitano does an excellent job of conveying the depth of his grief and survivor’s guilt. The novel’s high point is Edward’s interactions with the individuals in his life; each person gives him a new perspective on his loss and aids in his search for meaning and optimism.
One of the novel’s strengths is the way it explores the lives of the passengers on the plane leading up to the crash. Each chapter focuses on a different passenger, providing a glimpse into their lives and the events that led them to be on the ill-fated flight. These interweaving narratives create a sense of community among the passengers, and the reader is left with a sense of the complex lives and experiences of the people who were lost in the crash.
The novel is also a meditation on the power of human connection. Edward’s relationships with the people around him, from his therapist to the other kids at school, offer him a lifeline during a difficult time. The novel suggests that it is through our connections with others that we find the strength to move forward in the face of tragedy.
Dear Edward is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it. Napolitano’s writing is masterful, creating a world and characters that feel real and true. The novel’s exploration of grief, trauma, and the power of human connection is profound, and it offers a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing the people we love. Highly recommended.
Main Characters in The Book
The book features several complex and nuanced characters, each dealing with their own struggles and challenges in the wake of a devastating tragedy. Here are some of the key characters in the novel:
- Edward Adler: The novel’s protagonist, Edward, is a twelve-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed his parents and older brother. Edward is haunted by survivor’s guilt and the memories of the crash, but finds solace in the letters and gifts sent to him by well-wishers around the world. He befriends his next-door neighbor, Shay, and begins therapy with Dr. Mike as he tries to come to terms with his grief and trauma.
- Shay: Edward’s next-door neighbor, Shay, is dealing with her own struggles, including a difficult home life and the pressures of middle school. She befriends Edward and helps him navigate his new school and community.
- Lacey Adler: Edward’s aunt, Lacey takes on the responsibility of caring for her young nephew after the crash. She is struggling to come to terms with her own grief and the challenges of raising a child, but ultimately finds strength in her love for Edward.
- John Adler: Edward’s uncle, John, is a pilot who is obsessed with the details of the crash and the investigation. He is distant from Edward at first, but eventually begins to bond with his nephew over their shared loss.
- Dr. Mike: Edward’s therapist, Dr. Mike helps him work through his survivor’s guilt and trauma. He provides a compassionate and understanding presence in Edward’s life, helping him navigate the complex emotions he is experiencing.
- The passengers on the plane: The novel also explores the lives of some of the passengers on the plane leading up to the crash. Each chapter focuses on a different passenger, providing a glimpse into their lives and the events that led them to be on the flight. These interweaving narratives create a sense of community among the passengers, and the reader is left with a sense of the complex lives and experiences of the people who were lost in the crash.
Book Detail
Author : Ann Napolitano
Publisher : The Dial Press
Release Date : January 6, 2020
Language : English
Total Page : 352 pages
ISBN : 9781984854780
Dear Edward Book Age Rating
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is generally recommended for readers aged 16 and above. The novel deals with heavy themes of loss, trauma, and survivor’s guilt, and may not be suitable for younger readers who are not yet equipped to process these topics.
The novel’s protagonist, Edward Adler, is a twelve-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash that kills his parents and older brother. Even though the book isn’t too gory or violent, it does talk about what happens after the crash and how it affects Edward and the people around him.
Dear Edward is a sad and thought-provoking book that looks at complicated ideas about loss and healing. Even though it might be good for some younger readers, parents and teachers should think about how mature and emotionally ready each reader is before recommending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dear Edward about?
Dear Edward is a novel about a twelve-year-old boy named Edward Adler who is the sole survivor of a plane crash that kills his parents and older brother. The book explores the aftermath of the crash and the emotional journey of Edward and those around him as they struggle to come to terms with the tragedy.
Is “Dear Edward” based on a true story?
No, Dear Edward is a work of fiction. However, the author has stated that the true-life account of a boy who was the only survivor of a plane crash served as her inspiration.
What genre is “Dear Edward”?
Dear Edward is a contemporary fiction novel.
Has Dear Edward won any awards?
Yes, Dear Edward was a New York Times bestseller and was named a notable book of the year by the New York Times and the Washington Post. It was also a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction in 2020.
What is the writing style of Dear Edward?
The novel is written in a third-person, past-tense narrative style. Each chapter alternates between the present-day story of Edward’s recovery and the past stories of the passengers on the doomed flight.
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