Book Review: All the Light We Cannot See

Last month, my book club read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It was really great to read a historical fiction because its not something that I would typically read. But that's what book clubs are all about, right? I rated this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Let's be honest, I didn't really like this book for the longest time. It's slow building (very slow), but beautifully written. I knew that I needed to stick with it until the end, and I am glad I did. I want to thank my Resolutioners Book Club for forcing me to read something a little out of my comfort zone, something I would not have picked up on my own, and something I would have normally given up on long ago.

This book is set during WWII and showcases two main (including small other's) points of view--a blind French girl who is named Marie-Laure and a boy who is a radio expert in the German army named Werner. This story focuses not only on their childhood and development during this time of war, but also on the mentality of the world at large during this unforgettable time.

I think that a big reason why I did not originally enjoy the flow of this novel was because of the lack of linear plot line. It does not have a singular focus and often jumps from different points of view, different times, and ever changing topics. However, when everything seems to connect in the end (whether it be how I anticipated or not) I started to flip through the pages much faster and find myself getting lost in all of the subtle hints to each characters' past.

If you're looking for a book that will be a quick and easy read, something that will occupy your mind only for the moment that you are reading it then this book may not be for you. This book is thought provoking for days at a time; you can expect to set the book down and continue thinking of the characters and the war and their trials all through your day. While the book is slow starting and can be difficult to read, I think that sticking with it and contemplating the deeper meaning of each short segment within the chapters will impact your views on WWII, the people who serve for our country, and the feelings of others throughout the world.

Have you read this book before? What did you think? Let me know in the comment section below.