I understand all the criticisms of Foer and I love him nevertheless. I grew up in an Eastern European family that immigrated to North America and deeply affected by the holocaust and everything that followed. Our entire social circle was comprised of these types of families. I see myself (and them) in this book - tackling themes of trauma, memory, identity, love, family history, loyalty... I'm not sure if I'd love this book if I didn't relate so completely to it.