A review by beppel
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The most devastating book, so beautifully written, where every sentence is woven masterfully as its own scene dripping with life and metaphor. As the book comes to a close, I find myself wishing for the structures of the heroic books of childhood, where the characters all get out somewhat unscathed, and the hope and optimism that is given near the very end is an indication that all will heal without further consequence and atrocity. In war, I suppose, this isn’t the case. The last 50 pages of this book are somehow the most difficult to read, the most graphic, and the most unsettling. I never wish to read this again, and I can’t help but think that everyone should get to experience it if they have the heart.
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