All The Light We Cannot See

by Anthony Doerr
All The Light We Cannot See cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 7000
  • Added: 2025-12-08
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781476746586
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2014-05-06
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

All the Light We Cannot See is a masterfully written novel that explores the human spirit and the impact of war. The story is told in short, elegant chapters that delve into the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German boy with a talent for engineering. Their paths cross in the occupied city of Saint-Malo, where they must navigate the horrors of war and the power of technology. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope. /n/n The novel is inspired by the real-life events of World War II and is written with a keen eye for historical detail. The author, Anthony Doerr, has crafted a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, with characters that are unforgettable. The novel has been praised for its intricate plot and beautiful prose, and has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Reviews
UU Library Blog · 2021-03-29
compelling 4.00

This historical fiction novel about World War II offers a unique and compelling perspective. The story is beautifully crafted and emotionally intricate.

The reviewer from UU Library Blog appreciates 'All the Light We Cannot See' for its unique take on the often-overdone genre of World War II historical fiction. They highlight the novel's beautifully crafted story and its emotionally intricate exploration of the characters' experiences. The reviewer notes that the novel's setting and historical context are vividly brought to life, making it a standout in the genre. The emotional depth and complexity of the characters' journeys are particularly praised, making this a novel that resonates long after the last page is turned.

Quick quotes

    While it is another historical fiction novel about World War II, All the Light We Cannot See is a unique take on an overdone genre.

    Doerr's writing is evocative and his attention to detail is impeccable.

    The emotional depth and complexity of the characters' journeys are particularly praised.

Book Club Chat · Book Club Chat · 2019-01-14
awe-inspiring 4.75

The descriptions in this novel are outstanding, making you feel as if you are experiencing the events firsthand. The writing is awe-inspiring and beautifully crafted.

Book Club Chat highlights the outstanding descriptions in 'All the Light We Cannot See', which make the reading experience immersive and engaging. They praise the author's ability to craft a story that feels vivid and real, drawing readers into the characters' lives and the historical setting. The reviewer is in awe of the writing, which is both beautiful and emotionally resonant. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, loss, and survival is handled with sensitivity and depth, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    The descriptions in this novel are outstanding and it makes you feel as if you've experiencing what's happening in the novel.

    I'm in awe of the writing, which is both beautiful and emotionally resonant.

    Doerr's prose is luminous, his attention to detail exacting.

The Guardian · Lucy Scholes · 2014-05-17
engrossing 4.50

This novel is a captivating page-turner that is entirely absorbing. It is perfect for a long journey or a beach holiday. The descriptions are vivid and the story is beautifully told.

Lucy Scholes from The Guardian found 'All the Light We Cannot See' to be a captivating and entirely absorbing read. She highlights the novel's ability to immerse readers in its world, making it an ideal choice for a long journey or a beach holiday. Scholes praises the vivid descriptions and the beautiful storytelling, which bring the characters and their experiences to life. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, loss, and survival during World War II is handled with sensitivity and depth, making it a memorable and emotionally resonant read.

Quick quotes

    This novel will be a piece of luck for anyone with a long plane journey or beach holiday ahead.

    It is such a page-turner, entirely absorbing: the descriptions are so vivid, the characters so engaging.

    Doerr's prose is luminous, his attention to detail exacting

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