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51 pages 1 hour read

Apeirogon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Colum McCann

Apeirogon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Israel And Palestinian Territories • 2000s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Apeirogon by Colum McCann tells the true story of the friendship between Rami Elhanan, an Israeli, and Bassam Aramin, a Palestinian, who bond over the loss of their daughters to violence and unite to advocate for peace and understanding. Using a non-linear narrative and incorporating various historical and artistic references, the novel explores grief, forgiveness, and the interconnectedness of humanity. The book includes depictions of violence and loss, particularly involving children.

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Mysterious

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Colum McCann's Apeirogon receives acclaim for its lyrical prose and innovative structure, which interweaves memoir, fiction, and historical facts to explore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics praise its emotional depth and ambition, though some suggest its fragmented narrative might overwhelm. Overall, it’s seen as a poignant, if challenging, read on conflict and reconciliation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Apeirogon?

A reader who would enjoy Apeirogon by Colum McCann likely appreciates intricately woven narratives, complex historical contexts, and profound emotional journeys. Fans of works like All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr or Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer will find similar thematic depth and stylistic innovation.

Character List

Rami Elhanan

An Israeli Jewish man and graphic designer who served in the Israeli army during the Yom Kippur War. He is deeply affected by a personal tragedy that leads him to advocate for peace and understanding.

A Palestinian Muslim who was imprisoned as a teenager and later founded the Combatants for Peace group. His experiences and loss inspire him to work toward reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

The daughter of Rami and Nurit, known for her joyfulness and talents, whose death has a profound impact on those around her.

The daughter of Bassam and Salwa, remembered for her lively spirit and intelligence, whose untimely death mirrors that of Smadar's and plays a significant role in the story.

A prison guard who connects with Bassam during his imprisonment and represents the potential for compassion amid conflict.

Rami's wife and an academic whose work and personal loss drive her toward activism and support for her husband's peace efforts.

A Palestinian artist and probable suicide bomber who takes a radical path due to his experiences, yet is depicted with a degree of empathy.

Nurit's father, a former Israeli general who becomes an advocate for peace and influences the perspectives of those around him.

Bassam's wife, who supports his peace efforts while grappling with their shared loss and the desire for a return to normalcy.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Israel And Palestinian Territories • 2000s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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