All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Genre: Historical Fiction; Adult Fiction
Reviewed by Leonie E., 12th Grade
Rating: 9/10
Anthony Doerr's All The Light We Cannot See is a deeply moving and striking book set during the Second World War. It illustrates the life of Marie-Laure, a French blind girl who flees Paris with her father when the Nazis invade, and that of Werner, a German boy who gets recruited by the German army and is forced to live a violent life. They meet in the occupied city of Saint-Malo, where their underlying innocence and wish for peace sparks love and hope. "All The Light We Cannot See" impresses me with its complex and interesting characters; portrayal of emotions and human relationships; and approach to war and what it does to innocent lives. One of the most unique characteristics of the book is how Anthony Doerr approaches light and blindness, both literally and metaphorically. Since Marie-Lauren is blind, she cannot see all the world's beauty and appreciate its colours, shapes, and forms. But "All The Light We Cannot See" shows how true beauty lies in love, courage, sacrifice, and gratitude, all things we don't need eyes for. Doerr's writing style encourages one to think about what the words truly mean, not only what they spell. In this way, the book contains both a moving story, as well as touching and sensual language.
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