Released: 6th May 2014
Genre: Fiction, War, Historical
Number of Pages: 530
In the immensely crowded landscape of World War Two fiction, few novels have been as acclaimed as Anthony Doerr’s All The Light We Cannot See. Against the backdrop of total war, the author tells a deeply emotive and human tale.
The story takes place mainly in Saint-Malo, a walled town at the centre of an occupation. Marie-Laure and her father have journeyed there from Paris, carrying the replica of a priceless jewel. A high ranking German official named Van Rumpel wants the gem and slowly inches closer to the prize; meanwhile the young Werner leaves an orphanage life for a career in the Hitler Youth and later joins the Wehrmacht. These characters represent very different sides of the hellish conflict; one of a fearful civilian made doubly difficult by her blindness and the other a soldier who begins to doubt his cause and reasons for joining up.
Marie-Laure is curious of the world around her while Werner often feels conflicted by his actions. Yet both are possessed of an emotional conscience that cuts through the battle raging around them. Because Marie-Laure and Werner are so well portrayed and powerfully developed, Von Rumpel’s hunt feels like a bit of an afterthought. It’s true the nazis stole countless artefacts and treasures to fuel their insidious plans, but Doerr’s incorporation leaves much to be desired. It merely ties in with a myth in the opening chapters and re-enters briefly at the climax, rather than flowing with the other perspectives.
Still, where this component flounders, others flourish. The tales of Captain Nemo and his journeys under the sea are a key thematic anchor. They represent the escapism of the protagonists, especially Marie-Laure’s desire to break away from the harsh realities of war. The setting and backgrounds are also conveyed brilliantly; on Marie-Laure’s side we understand the oppressive ways of occupation while on Werner’s we see the brutal nature of the Hitler Youth, how it presses down on those deemed weak or unfit to rule. We’re taken from the start of the war, all the way to its conclusion as the character’s circumstances change. All the way through, you’ll come to care as their paths intersect.
Recommended?
YES: For the most part, All The Light We Cannot See is a powerful and poignant Second World War tale. The two lead characters pull you in, opening your heart to their struggles and showing just how gruelling the conflict was for all involved. On occasion, its themes can be inconsistent, but the book succeeds at connecting with its audience.
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