Tree of Codes

Jonathan Safran Foer has yet to disappoint me. Everything is Illuminated has remained my favorite novel for the past several years and it is great to see him branch out and expand his style. This novel was written by blacking out words from a novel written by a Jewish artist who died an uncommon death during the Holocaust. The original novel, The Street of Crocodiles was ahead of it's time. It's author, Bruno Shulz, was a bit of a surrealist. Safran Foer may have seen this, considered his own heritage, and created and amazing new story using only words presented in the original novel written by Shulz. The layout of the book itself is artistic. To emphasize the black-out style pages are cut to leave only the words that Foer chose to use to create this new narrative. It's something different and it's worth the read. Think Blake Butler meets Grace Krilanovich, two authors whose work would be great to use if you want to try your hand at this type of writing, or should I say editing. It's a bit of both.

5 stars as a piece of art to peruse and ponder. It's not for reading, it's for observing.

I did not know this book was cut into pieces and so fragile and hard to read! I have read House of Leaves and I found this a challenge. I gave up halfway through even though he's one of my favorite authors of all time! I wish I had known the book was like this beforehand. However, it's a good gift for those who like something out of the ordinary and very creative. And the overall story was wonderful.

I love Jonathan Safran Foer. I think he is incredibly talented and one of the best contemporary writers. This book, or a puzzle, uhmm... a project, in short, did not move me at all. I will be patiently waiting for him to write another novel of the same caliber as Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Great book--read it after reading Bruno Schulz's The Street of Crocodiles.

Originally I wondered just how narrative Safran Foer would be able to make his re-imagining of this literary construction. Upon reading the text, I find myself inventing a bit of a story in my own imagination that I can only suspect is at least a little different than any other reader.

Amazing book. I've reread it many times. It sucks you in. Jonathan Safran Foer creates a world of paper and secrets that is captivating and awe inspiring.

This is a fascinating piece of writing and a beautiful art object. The craft is surprising and intriguing, and way out of the box.

I bought this for my daughter and she loves it.Personally, I think it's bizarre and it would drive me nuts....I expect that's why she loves it....

There's not much to say, all in all it's a must read, and just a fantastic idea that has turned into a true piece of art. If you like reading but also enjoy visual stimuli, this would be the perfect book. Although the story in itself is a bit short, it fits right into Foer's other writings, and is very beautiful. I am very pleased to have this in my collection.

very original!It could be interesting to have a similar work in italian. After cent mille milliards de poemes by Raymond Queneau a new version of combinatory literature.

A great collaboration of design and poetry. Story isn't easy to read. Good for Oulipo enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration.

Good book and quick delivery