👶👶👶👶 All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr

This novel was riveting - the writing, exquisite. It is a tale of the end of innocence that takes place primarily during World War II in German-occupied France, but sways between pre and post-war times as well, ultimately leading us to the present-day. Obviously, because of the subject matter, it is distressing; however, I am always pleased to read a book that I learn rich history from. This novel, in particular, allowed me to further understand the scope and magnitude of Hitler’s bloody reign. So many young men were dragged into the Reich without realizing the gravity of what lay ahead. These children found themselves in the middle of inexplicable horror with no way out, attempting to assuage their guilt by telling themselves that it was for the betterment of humanity, as they were sadly brainwashed into believing.

The characters were certainly multi-dimensional, and the author did a spectacular job of showing the capacity in human beings for both good and evil, for both timidity and fearlessness. I will say that this diverse group of characters did confuse me in the beginning, and I had a difficult time keeping track of who was who.

Another complication in this novel is the split chronology. Not only did he write about several different stories, but the stories themselves oscillate between time periods as well. Moving forward and backward in time does require the reader to constantly surmise the location and time period. This is not necessarily a bad writing technique; it’s just one that requires more consideration.

I must say that it takes tremendous talent to weave such divergent stories together in order to bring them all circuitously back to the central plot; but much like the way Marie-Laure’s father constructs his 
intricate puzzle boxes, Anthony Doerr interlaces the pieces of his story seamlessly.

Read 3/24/15