All the Light We Cannot See

by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is another new favorite book of mine.  As is to be predicted, it was recommended to me by my librarian mother.  It follows the stories of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl from Paris who is relocated to coastal Saint-Malo when the Nazi occupation arrives in France, and Werner, a talented young German boy who is recruited by the Nazis as a radio technician.

Saint-Malo, France

Every few chapters a third lesser story is weaved into the text.  This one involves a mythical diamond called the Sea of Flames which supposedly has the power to save the life of the person who possesses it, but wreak havoc on the lives of those he or she loves.  It is insinuated that Marie-Laure's father has been in possession of the stone since leaving Paris.

As the book goes on, Werner is eventually brought to Saint-Malo to find the location of covert radio transmissions that have been coming from the small sea-side town.  The source of the transmissions is, of course, Marie-Laure's Great Uncle with whom she is staying.  Doerr has an impeccable ability to make you feel strongly connected to both of his characters, in spite of Werner's Nazi affiliations.  You find yourself rooting for their two paths to eventually cross.

Saint-Malo circa 1944

In the final stages of the book, Saint-Malo is horrifically and devastatingly bombed to ruin.  Having done a little research, I discovered that this was actually a true historical event.  In 1944 US forces mistakenly believed Saint-Malo to be stronghold for German forces and ripped the city apart with bombs.  For more information check out this website.  More power to Anthony Doerr for being able write such an inventive fictional story and tie it into these real historical events.

All the Light is an epic saga that intricately incorporates history, love, and little bit of magic into one incredible story.  This is one of my favorite books I've read in awhile, I recommend picking up a copy immediately!