All The Light We Cannot See (Doerr)

Took a fictional break the last few weeks and found the time to read Anthony Doerr's, All The Light We Cannot See. Originally bought it for my wife, I picked it up and couldn't put it down. Newer novel, released in 2014, which worried me because novels are hit or miss these days. Excellent piece of literature and beautifully written.

The structure of the novel is interesting as it bounces from the beginning stages of the war to the final stages. The chapters are short so there is no room for extraneous use of literary devices, the writing speaks for itself. The plot focuses on a young, blind Parisian girl (Marie-Laure) and a young, technically savvy rebellious, Hitler Youth (Werner). Marie is tended to by her father who is a locksmith at the Museum of Natural History in Paris. Her father designs and creates detailed miniatures of cities to enable Marie to be independent. Then, of course, the Wehrmacht arrive and occupy the city and the story unfolds. Adventurous story line with the classic backdrop. The setting centers around the encased city of St. Malo on the Brittany Coast. If I go on I will give away too much, which is what I tend to do.

Definitely an author I will continue to keep an eye on. If you need a novel fix set during the mid-20th century I would highly recommend it.

 

*Update

It has since won the Pulitzer Prize.

 

"All the Lights" gives a good picture of what life was like in Germany during the war--a well written novel.
Also a great novel with the same timeframe and location is "The Book Thief". Both powerful books and worth reading.

 

I agree...the Book Thief was a good read. Movie was good too.

 

Let us know what you think Lou.

 

I just got it from my local library after being on a waiting list for 2 months !! I started 2 days ago and can't put it down !! A very good book I am also reading another good World War 2 book that takes place in England close to where my dad was stationed at Framlingham !! The book is set in Suffolk in a small village at the early start of the war in 1940 . The book is called The Dynamite Room and the author is Jason Hewitt and this is his first novel . I can't stop reading it !! It also involves a young girl and an injured German soldier . I wont give anything else about the story !! I highly recommend it Read the Book Thief and enjoyed the movie !! Happy reading to all

 

I'm really looking forward to reading All the Light We Cannot See. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

The Book Thief is an incredible book. I bought it when I was in England back in 2008 and read it on the plane ride home. Couldn't put it down.