Is the book Dear Edward based on a true story?

By Ricky Valero
Published: February 2, 2023
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Is the book Dear Edward based on a true story? With the release of the Apple TV+ series, we discuss the truth behind the book. 

Dear Edward debuts on Apple TV+ on February 3, 2023. The ten-episode series follows a 12-year-old boy who is the lone survivor of a plane crash. There are some questions surrounding the release of the series, including if the show is based on a true story and what the story is about. Below we share all the information you need to know about Dear Edward.

The Dear Edward novel was published on January 6, 2020, by The Dial Press. This was Ann Napolitano’s third novel. It debuted on The New York Times Best Seller list at number two. In February 2022, Apple TV announced it would pick up the book and develop it into a series.

The Apple TV+ series is from the creator of shows like Friday Night Lights and Parenthood and stars Connie Britton, Colin O’Brien, and Taylor Schilling. It will have a three-episode premiere on February 3, 2023, with 7 episodes airing through March 24, 2023. Critic Adam Lock reviewed the first season saying, “Masterfully manipulative and surprisingly emotive, this soppy drama series will not be for everyone, yet it includes superb performances from both Connie Britton and Taylor Schilling, who portray their grief in two very different, but equally authentic ways.”

Is the book Dear Edward based on a true story?

Yes and no. The Dear Edward story is based partially on the Airways Flight 771 that resulted in the death of 103 passengers and crew except for Ruben Van Assouw, a 9-year-old boy. Writer Ann Napolitano has been on record throughout multiple interviews that she wanted to create the book to make him okay.

While the plane crash did happen, the story was written from Napolitano’s perspective to try to create this life for this little boy post-accident.

What does Dear Edward symbolize?

He symbolizes hope and perseverance as he was the sole survivor of the plane crash.

How old is Edward in Dear Edward?

Although the crash happened when he was 9 years old, Edward is 12 years old in the book. The book is about seeing Edward deal with the grief, press, and life after the crash.

What is the story Dear Edward about?

On May 12, 2010, Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 was on its way to Libya when it crashed. There were 93 passengers (from 12 different countries) and 11 crew members, a total of 104 people on the flight on the flight. Sadly, every passenger and crew member on the flight died except for a 9-year-old boy, Ruben Van Assouw. The story inspired writer Ann Napolitano to write Dear Edward, which follows the little boy at the age of 12, trying to grow up without his parents or brother and navigate life after the crash. Throughout the book, Edward asks himself many questions, including how you survive when you lose everything.

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