Book Review

Book Review of All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is a wonderfully written story following the lives of two main characters, one from Paris and one from Germany, whose paths cross thanks to the devastation of World War 2. Marie-Laure LeBlanc was a French woman hiding from the nazis, who became blind when she was six, while Werner Pfennig was a German orphan who had a gift in creating radios and electrical circuits. With the help of her father, Marie-Laure is able to train herself into learning braille and navigating the streets of Paris. However, soon, her father is sent away in order to protect the Sea of Flames, a legendary and mythical diamond that is said to that is said to give the possessor eternal life, while simultaneously destroying the possessor’s loved ones. Marie-Laure is forced to stay with her great uncle. Meanwhile, Werner is discovered to have gifts in building radios and is sent off to a nazi school, where readers are able to see a darker side to his character and the power of conformity. After an altercation with a teacher, Werner is sent off to battle under the command of a ruthless Sergeant, who is obsessed with the Sea of Flames. Marie-Laure and Werner’s paths cross during battle in an exciting climax leading to a very bittersweet conclusion.

This novel is told through alternating 3rd person perspectives of Marie-Laure and Werner, as it uses its parallel plot form to build up tension and suspense. It explores multiple themes of overcoming tragedy and seeing the good side of any situation. Symbolism is also used heavily in this story to further convey these themes, which made me even more enticed into its plot upon deeper analysis. Furthermore, even though there are many pages, I did not feel as though it was challenging to get through as the time it took to read was reduced significantly due to the format of the pages. Overall, I believe it is a great story, which will invoke deep emotional responses to all readers and make everyone of them question his/her perspectives in life. I recommended this book to all who which to seek an emotionally charged and exciting story filled with round and extremely interesting characters.