All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr - Must Read!

Namaste.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is a book based in the brutal times of Second World War. But its not your conventional war story may I say. This is a book that has put the horrors of second World War in the most subtle, yet haunting way. The author doesn't side with any country or religion in particular. He has successfully depicted how the lives of common countrymen are torn forever, irrespective of the side they belong to.

So let's talk about the protagonists, shall we?

Marie Laure, is a girl from Paris, France who turns completely blind at the ag of 6. Yet, she is inquisitive, smart and brave. She lives with her father, who works at a museum and loves to create little wooden puzzles and models for her little daughter. He teaches her to count and memorize her steps back to home, reads books in Braille and learn about snails and shells. 

Werner Pfennig, is an orphan but a bright boy from the "Nazi Germany" who lives with her younger sister and has been destined to work in the mines when he turns 15. However, Werner has bigger dreams and aspirations. He develops a liking for science at a young age after listening to a radio show and wants to to go beyond borders, become a scientist and see everything before he shuts his eyes forever. 

But all of this turns into a nightmare when Germany declares a war on Poland. It mentions how every boy in Germany whether rich or poor, had to join the army. They were punished, abused and beaten if they failed to kill the enemies. Patriotism was forced, freedom of speech was non existence and escape was impossible. With this enormous army, the Germans invade France causing Marie Laurie and her father to flee from Paris and take shelter in Saint Malo at her grandfather's place where, they not only find hope to survive the Germans, but also find courage to combat them in whatever little way they can. 

A numerous painful and haunting events later, finally Werner and Marie come together to help each other. It's the shortest love encounter I might have ever read, but it's 1000 times better than the main stream romance novels. The fact that one can fall in love, given the haunting and depressing times gives you so much hope and perspective in life.

Anthony Doerr received a Pulitzer award for this book and its so well deserved. It's crafted with beautiful metaphors, delicate poetic lines, and subtle, but brilliant hints. The story shows how there's always a choice. 

Choice to be good. Choice to be kind. Choice to be brave.

This book in all reality shows us that good people die, bad people win. And commons like us, who survive it, are forever haunted by the memories of it. Memories so painful, that they dread to recollect it.

This is a  book about the most dangerous and painful history that humans ever faced, yet its full of warmth and softness and every emotion that your heart can feel.

I would suggest you to read it if you haven't already.

Many thanks,

Shikha Tiwari.