In "Everything Is Illuminated," Jonathan Safran Foer explores themes of memory, loss, and the search for identity through the story of a young man who travels to Ukraine. He seeks to uncover the past of his grandfather, who survived the Holocaust. The narrative interweaves multiple perspectives, revealing the complexities of heritage and the impact of history on the present.

One notable symbol in the book is the canary light of oil lamps, which represents hope and guidance amid darkness. This imagery reflects the characters' journeys as they navigate their personal and collective histories, searching for truth and understanding in a world marked by trauma and uncertainty.