All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See

by Anthony Doerr

WINNER OF THE 2015 PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR FICTION

A beautiful, stunningly ambitious novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II

Marie-Laure has been blind since the age of six. Her father builds a perfect miniature of their Paris neighbourhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. But when the Nazis invade, father and daughter flee with a dangerous secret.

Werner is a German orphan, destined to labour in the same mine that claimed his father's life, until he discovers a knack for engineering. His talent wins him a place at a brutal military academy, but his way out of obscurity is built on suffering.

At the same time, far away in a walled city by the sea, an old man discovers new worlds without ever setting foot outside his home. But all around him, impending danger closes in.

Doerr's combination of soaring imagination and meticulous observation is electric. As Europe is engulfed by war and lives collide unpredictably, 'All The Light We Cannot See' is a captivating and devastating elegy for innocence.

Reviewed by readingwithwrin on

4 of 5 stars

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I absolutely loved this novel. While it wasn't exactly what I was expecting after having read the synopsis, it was still incredible.

I loved seeing the war from Marie-Laure LeBlanc perspective and how she lived during it. How she had to learn things differently and count every step so she wouldn't get lost, and while she was scared at time she did get over it and went out and did what she had to do anyway to help the war cause. I absolutely loved her relationship with her Uncle and how she got him somewhat out of his fears and got him to live life again.

I had a little bit of a harder time enjoying Werner Pfennig perspective though. While it was enjoyable I just kept hoping he would stand up and act differently in certain situations. Even though I know that surely would have caused him to get beaten up as well.

Now while I did enjoy this book I kept feeling like certain parts weren't needed (to many time switches causing confusion). I was slightly disappointed as well that Marie-Laure and Werner didn't get more time together.

But overall I found the book to possible be becoming one of my favorites.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 10 April, 2015: Finished reading
  • 10 April, 2015: Reviewed