New York, 1940er Jahre: Eine Zeit des Krieges und der Vorurteile, in der eine ungewöhnliche Freundschaft erblüht, die alles zu verändern droht. In Miron Levoys bewegendem Roman "Alan und Naomi" wird der Leser Zeuge, wie der elfjährige Alan Silverman, ein ganz normaler Junge mit Vorliebe für Stickball und Modellflugzeuge, eine tiefe Verbindung zu Naomi Kirschenbaum aufbaut. Naomi, traumatisiert durch die Schrecken des Zweiten Weltkriegs und den Verlust ihres Vaters durch die Nazis, kämpft mit psychischen Problemen und lebt in einer Welt der Stille und Angst. Alans Eltern drängen ihn, sich um Naomi zu kümmern, doch der Weg zu ihr ist steinig und voller Hindernisse. Zunächst versucht Alan, mit Hilfe seiner Handpuppen eine Brücke zu ihr zu bauen, doch langsam und vorsichtig beginnt Naomi, sich zu öffnen. Ihre Freundschaft wird zu einem geheimen Zufluchtsort, in dem sie ihre Ängste und Geheimnisse teilen können. Doch diese zarte Verbindung wird auf eine harte Probe gestellt, als die Grausamkeit der Außenwelt in ihre Leben eindringt. Als Alan in eine Schlägerei mit einem Rowdy gerät und Naomi Zeugin der Gewalt wird, verschwindet sie spurlos. Die verzweifelte Suche nach ihr enthüllt die Tiefe ihrer Traumata und stellt Alans Fähigkeit, ihr zu helfen, auf eine schmerzhafte Probe. "Alan und Naomi" ist eine ergreifende Geschichte über Freundschaft, Mut und die Narben des Krieges. Ein Roman, der die Leser bis zum Schluss fesselt und zum Nachdenken über die Bedeutung von Empathie und Mitmenschlichkeit anregt. Erleben Sie die Geschichte einer ungewöhnlichen Freundschaft in einer Zeit der Not und entdecken Sie die Kraft der Hoffnung in den dunkelsten Stunden. Eine Geschichte, die unter die Haut geht und lange nach dem Lesen nachwirkt, ein Muss für alle, die sich für die Themen Zweiter Weltkrieg, jüdisches Leben, Trauma und die Kraft der Freundschaft interessieren. Ein zeitloses Werk, das die Bedeutung von Verständnis und Akzeptanz in einer Welt voller Vorurteile und Hass hervorhebt. Entdecken Sie "Alan und Naomi", ein literarisches Juwel, das Leser jeden Alters berührt und inspiriert. Begleiten Sie Alan auf seiner Reise der Selbstentdeckung und lernen Sie, was es bedeutet, wirklich für jemanden da zu sein.
Levoy, Miron – Alan and Naomi
Alan and Naomi is Levoy’s most successful novel so far. It has won many international awards both in the US and in Europa. It has also been turned into a play which was staged in many German theatres in 1989.
The roman “Alan and Naomi” reflects the situation of the minorities in New York during the bloody Second World War. Naomi is a symbol for the millions of the Jews have been suffering and should have changing their own characters. Their living-conditions are in this time very bad that’s why there are people who want to support them. Alan is somebody who belongs in this group of the supporters.
This novel is about a friendship developing between the main figurs “Alan and Naomi”. The book refers to a real story taking place in 1940s. That is its special feature therefore the story was filmed in 1992.
Alan Silverman, an eleven-years old boy, is not a different person in his own age group. He likes making sports, especially stickball is his favorite game.(Stickball: game similar to baseball played on city streets). Besides he is interested in creating model planes and has them flew, with his best friend, a Catholic, Shaun Kelly. Like his other friends he doesn’t love the girls and finds them stupid. Naomi and Mrs.Kirschenbaum went through plenty getting out of France during the Second World War and Naomi called “Crazy Cat” was interrupted psychologically. Under pressure of his parents Alan accepts to help Naomi. But he cannot come in contact with Naomi easily. At first, he tries talking with her with his dummies, Yvette and Charlie. Although it’s as if he is speaking to an empty room, slowly Naomi gives reactions and gives up tearing the papers, her biggest habit. Alan likes caring somebody and gives up to play only with boys. However he is afraid of them and he isn’t able to admit, that he spends his time with a girl needing trust, instead of playing stickball or making model planes, which are the major activities of the boys. This secret friendship continues until Naomi goes to school with Alan. The schooldays make them more closer to each other and they begin to share their secrets.One day Naomi tells Alan, how her father was killed by the Nazis. Her father was a spy and he was preparing important maps for the enemies of Germany. But he was found by Geheime Staatspolizei and was murdered. Naomi wasn’t able to tear the maps prepared by his father, that’s why she feels herself guilty.
On a Friday morning Joe Condello, a bully hated by Alan and his friends, threats them unplesantly and mocks at them and their religion. Alan fights with him on the schoolway. When Naomi sees the fight and the blood , she runs away. Shaun Kelly saves Alan from Joe Condello, but Naomi is missing. After a long searching of the police Naomi is found under a layer of coal. Her mind is completely disappeared and she doesn’t show any reactions. So, Alan is not able to bring Naomi to the real life, he fails and he feels lonely.
The Outline of the Relationship between two friends
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The victory is empty with Naomi’s missing
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Frequently Asked Questions about "Alan and Naomi"
What is "Alan and Naomi" about?
"Alan and Naomi" is a novel by Miron Levoy that explores the friendship between Alan Silverman, an eleven-year-old boy, and Naomi, a young girl who has suffered psychological trauma during World War II. The story is set in New York during the 1940s and addresses the challenges faced by minorities during that time.
What are the main themes of the novel?
The novel explores themes of friendship, trauma, the impact of war on individuals, particularly children, and the challenges of cultural integration. It also touches on issues of prejudice and understanding.
Who are the main characters in "Alan and Naomi"?
The main characters are Alan Silverman, a young boy who tries to help Naomi, and Naomi, a traumatized girl who has fled from France during World War II. Other characters include Alan's friend, Shaun Kelly, and Joe Condello, a bully.
What is the significance of Naomi's trauma?
Naomi's trauma is central to the story. She has witnessed the horrors of war and the murder of her father by the Nazis, which has left her deeply disturbed and unable to communicate effectively. Alan's attempts to help her are a major focus of the novel.
What role does Alan play in Naomi's life?
Alan attempts to befriend and help Naomi overcome her trauma. He uses dummies to communicate with her at first and gradually builds a relationship with her. He learns about her past and tries to support her, but ultimately struggles to fully heal her.
What happens when Naomi goes to school?
Going to school with Alan brings them closer but also exposes them to external threats. An encounter with a bully triggers Naomi's trauma and leads to a tragic event.
What is the ending of "Alan and Naomi"?
The ending is bittersweet. An incident involving a school bully leads to Naomi suffering a complete mental breakdown and becoming unresponsive. Alan is unable to bring Naomi back to reality, leading to feelings of loneliness and failure.
Why is "Alan and Naomi" considered an important novel?
"Alan and Naomi" is considered important because it sheds light on the experiences of individuals affected by war and trauma. It also explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the challenges of understanding those who are different.
What awards has "Alan and Naomi" won?
The novel has won many international awards in both the US and Europe.
Has "Alan and Naomi" been adapted into other formats?
Yes, it has been adapted into a play, which was staged in many German theatres in 1989. It was also filmed in 1992.
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- Nadir Can Altan (Autor:in), 2000, Levoy, Miron - Alan and Naomi, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/100362
