Foer, Jonathan Safran: *1977

Everything Is Illuminated, 2002 - Thematic Parallels: Search for Identity

Foer, Jonathan Safran: Everything Is Illuminated, 2002
The novel blends comedy and tragedy, using both realistic and magical elements to explore how individuals and families remember, forget, and attempt to heal from historical atrocities.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Morrison, Toni: Sula, 1980, ~170pp
  The novel focuses on the complex friendship between two Black women, exploring themes of identity, community, and societal expectations.
  Both works illuminate how the past influences the present and how people navigate complex relationships against the backdrop of larger historical forces. The key nuance is that "Sula" does this with lyrical solemnity and community focus, while "Everything Is Illuminated" mixes humor, metafiction, and a broader quest to reconcile painful history.
- Pierre, DBC: Vernon God Little, 2003, ~270pp
  The novel follows Vernon, a teenage boy who becomes the scapegoat for a school shooting he did not commit, exploring themes of innocence, guilt, identity, and the absurdity of modern fame and justice.
  Both works use dark humor and unconventional narrative styles to explore heavy themes like tragedy, identity, and the absurdity of human experience. Both deal with trauma and memory, but "Vernon God Little" is more focused on contemporary American social critique, while "Everything Is Illuminated" explores historical trauma and identity. They share a commitment to blending absurdity and sorrow, challenging readers to look beyond surface narratives.
- Shange, Ntozake: Betsey Brown, 1985, ~200pp
  Set in 1950s America, this novel follows a young African American girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement. It explores themes of racial identity, family dynamics, and personal growth.
  While both novels come from distinct cultural backgrounds and stylistic approaches, they both delve into the complexities of identity formation amid the shadows of history. They share a focus on how memory, heritage, and trauma influence self-understanding, using innovative narrative techniques to explore these themes.
- Walker, Alice: Meridian, 1976, ~200pp
  The story follows Meridian Hill, a young woman deeply involved in the civil rights movement, as she navigates her personal and political identity during a turbulent period in American history.
  Both novels are deeply invested in the ways individuals and communities confront, inherit, and attempt to heal from historical trauma. They share a commitment to the redemptive possibilities of memory, the necessity of confronting painful histories, and the ongoing, cyclical nature of personal and collective transformation.
List of general discussion questions on Search for Identity (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Search for Identity (pdf)