YOUth Review: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Amidst the conflict of World War II, the paths of two people who share the same heart, yet live on opposite sides of the war, will cross.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr follows the story of World War II through the perspectives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German boy. Both of them navigate the struggles of war as they deal with their own internal conflicts. Marie-Laure’s story is one of resilience and intelligence as she and her father, Etienne, flee Paris during the German invasion. Despite her visual impairment, Marie-Laure finds creative solutions to every challenge she faces. She endures the war with the knowledge her father taught her, and by persevering through hardships she never imagined possible. Werner, an orphan with a talent for technology, struggles to balance his morals with the demands of the Nazi regime. As he masters his mechanical skills for the war, Werner questions the meaning of right and wrong and which side he truly belongs to. Though on opposite sides, both characters face similar hardships during the war. Their curiosity and resilience ultimately bring their paths to cross, if only for a brief moment.

The novel’s split narration left me on the edge of my seat as both Marie-Laure's and Werner’s perspectives were pieced together. Having multiple narrators provided insight into both characters’ lives and inner conflicts throughout the war. This approach added suspense and highlighted how their childhoods shaped their later experiences. Marie-Laure inspires perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. Werner’s bravery in confronting authority and his willingness to stand up for what he believes is right are equally compelling.

Written by Marissa C.