Image from The Carroll Center
Reviews
"Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, a New York Times Book Review Top Ten Book, National Book Award finalist, more than two and a half years on the New York Times bestseller list" (goodreads.com). "All the Light We Cannot See," is an amazing book that has touched the hearts of millions. It has received some of the most prestigious awards possible for its impeccable storytelling and easy to read nature. The New York Times describes the book as "A light found in the darkness." Below are two videos that summarize some of the spectacular reviews the book has received as well as Anthony Doerr talking about why and how he wrote this book.
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purpose
In "All the Light We Cannot See," Anthony Doerr intertwines two stories of two very different teenagers during World War II in order to explore human nature.
Sacrifice
Marie-Laure is also forced to sacrifice a lot of her free time after going fully blind. She has to learn to navigate the city of Paris and later in the story, Saint Malo. She also has to stop her life and drop everything and leave her home city when the war gets closer. She risks a lot by helping the resistance but she is willing because she understands the stakes. Her father also has to sacrifice time and effort to help Marie-Laure. He makes models for her to study so she can maneuver town by herself. He also carries the "Sea of Flames." A world famous Jewel that many are after during the war.
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Image from The New York Times
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Werner Pfennig gives up a large part of his childhood in order to better take care of his sister Jutta. He feels as if he is the protector of her. However Werner also has a dream for himself and leaves the children's home where he stays. He wants to become a scientist and travels to the National Institute where he hopes to expand his already vast knowledge about various topics. However Werner is forced to sacrifice his dreams because of his work for the Reich. At the same time, Werners relationship with Jutta is weakening. He still misses her but their communication is lessening. Due to this new lifestyle Werner is forced to grow up very quick and has to sacrifice his individuality and freedom as he is forcefully transformed into a Nazi.
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Curiosity
Marie-Laure has a passion for learning, especially about the natural world. She poses many questions about nature, sea animals, and the world she cannot see. Whether it be in Dr. Geffard's laboratory at the museum, or in the seaside grotto, she always wants to sense and feel new things. One way she does this is by reading. Marie-Laure feels like it helps her to better understand the things she cannot see. Her books take her on all the adventures shes unable to go on. This is evident when her and her uncle, Etienne, play on the "flying couch" and "travel all over the world."
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Image from Tom Schimmer
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Werners curious nature is what got him out of a poor situation. As a kid he was always fascinated with the Frenchman he heard through the radio. The radio that he found and repaired at the age of eight. Werner taught himself math, science, and was the town repairman. His self taught skills got him attention and gave him the opportunity to go to a Nazi school for gifted children. His ambition for knowledge gave him an edge on others and he was rewarded for that. Werner studied when he could and aided his professor with jobs for the Reich. However Werners gifts eventually left him on the field of battle fighting for survival.
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