All The Light We Cannot See Based On True Story
Have you ever read a book that seems to transport you to a different time and place? That's exactly what 'All The Light We Cannot See' does. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr tells the story of two young people whose lives intersect in Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
The Story Behind The Book
While the novel is a work of fiction, it is based on real events that occurred during the war. Doerr spent over a decade researching the book, immersing himself in the history and culture of France during that time period. He read countless books, visited museums and archives, and even traveled to France to walk the same streets his characters would have walked.
Doerr was particularly interested in the role of radio during World War II, which plays a central role in the book. He read transcripts of radio broadcasts from the time and learned about the ways in which people used radio to communicate with each other during the war. This research inspired him to create the character of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl who uses her father's radio to stay connected to the outside world.
The Plot
The novel follows two main characters: Marie-Laure and Werner, a German boy who is recruited into the Hitler Youth. Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris, where he works as a locksmith at the Museum of Natural History. When the Nazis invade France, they flee to the coastal town of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure's father has hidden a valuable diamond that the Nazis are desperate to find.
Meanwhile, Werner grows up in an orphanage in Germany and discovers a talent for fixing radios. He is recruited by the Nazis and sent to a special school where he is trained to intercept radio signals from the Allies. As the war progresses, Werner begins to question his role in the Nazi war machine and to sympathize with the people he is supposed to be fighting against.
The Historical Context
'All The Light We Cannot See' is set in a very specific historical context: Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Doerr does an excellent job of capturing the fear and uncertainty of life during that time. He describes the rationing of food, the curfews, and the constant threat of violence from the Nazis.
One of the most powerful aspects of the book is the way it shows how ordinary people were caught up in the war. Both Marie-Laure and Werner are victims of circumstances beyond their control. Marie-Laure is blind and vulnerable, while Werner is a young boy who is manipulated by the adults around him. The novel shows how war can turn ordinary people into heroes or villains, depending on the choices they make.
The Author's Inspiration
Doerr has said that he was inspired to write 'All The Light We Cannot See' after visiting the island of Mont Saint Michel, which features prominently in the book. He was struck by the beauty of the island and the way it seemed to be frozen in time. He began to wonder what it would have been like to live on the island during the war.
Doerr also drew inspiration from his own experiences as a father. He has two young children, and he has said that writing the book helped him understand what it must have been like for parents to raise children during the war. The relationship between Marie-Laure and her father is one of the most touching aspects of the book.
Conclusion
'All The Light We Cannot See' is a beautifully written novel that offers a vivid portrayal of life during World War II. Doerr's meticulous research and attention to detail make the book feel authentic and true to life. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the plot is both suspenseful and moving. If you haven't read this book yet, you're missing out!