The Premise
Dear Edward is a novel by Ann Napolitano that tells the story of a young boy named Edward Adler who is the sole survivor of a plane crash that kills 191 people, including his parents and older brother. The novel explores the aftermath of the tragedy as Edward tries to navigate his new life as a celebrity and survivor, while also coping with the loss of his family.
The Plane Crash
The novel opens with a vivid description of the plane crash, which takes place over the Colorado Rockies. The reader is introduced to several of the passengers on board, including Edward’s family, a newlywed couple, a retired teacher, and a young soldier.
The crash itself is described in harrowing detail, as the plane rips apart mid-air and passengers are thrown from the wreckage. The chaos and terror of the moment is palpable, and the reader is left reeling from the loss of so many innocent lives.
Edward’s Survival
As the only survivor of the crash, Edward becomes an instant celebrity. The media descends on his aunt and uncle’s home, where he is taken in, and he is interviewed by countless reporters and journalists. Edward, however, is not interested in the attention. He is still reeling from the loss of his family and struggling to come to terms with his new reality.
The novel explores Edward’s grief and trauma in heartbreaking detail, as he tries to make sense of what has happened to him. He is haunted by the memories of the crash and the faces of the people who died, and he struggles to find a way to move forward.
Edward’s New Life
As Edward settles into his new life with his aunt and uncle, he begins to make new connections and form new friendships. He becomes close with his next-door neighbor Shay, a girl his own age who is dealing with her own family issues. He also befriends the retired teacher who was on the plane, and they bond over their shared experience of loss.
Despite these new connections, however, Edward remains haunted by the past. He is unable to escape the memories of the crash and the people he lost, and he struggles to find a way to move forward.
The Aftermath
The novel also explores the aftermath of the crash for the families of the other passengers. We see their grief and pain as they try to come to terms with their loss, and we also see the impact that Edward’s survival has on them. Some are angry that he survived while their loved ones did not, while others are grateful that at least one person made it out alive.
Through all of this, Edward remains at the center of the story, struggling to find a way to make sense of his new life and the tragedy that has shaped it.
The Verdict
Dear Edward is a powerful and gut-wrenching novel that explores themes of loss, grief, survival, and the human spirit. It is a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the power of love and connection to help us heal in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
If you’re looking for a book that will break your heart and stay with you long after you’ve finished it, Dear Edward is definitely worth a read.