Oskar is probably the most unique 9-year-old in the world. Most kids his age have been shielded from serious life issues. Oskar is unique because he has experienced more than others his age. Oskar’s father died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. This tragedy has clearly affected his mentality and causes him to view things more like a 23-year-old than a kid.
With the death of Oskar’s father, the only family he has left is his mother and grandma. He and his mother are not very close and had very different responses to his father’s death. We see his mother trying to move on with her new “friend” and Oskar occupies his mind and time trying to discover the mystery behind his dad’s key. He is very thoughtful and more insightful than most people. He complains about having nightmares and “heavy boots.” I expect Oskar to find someone or something on his mission that will finally allow him to find peace with the world, similar to when his grandparents met.
