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All the Light We Cannot See,
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Hui
I think at his core Volkheimer has basic human decency. That distinguishes him and Werner from many of the boys at the school. Also Werner was clearly gifted, and very small for his size, so Volkheimer was both in awe of and pity him at the same time.
Virginia
I have read this book twice, and both times, have left with the distinct impression that perhaps Volkheimer was gay. I am wondering if anyone else had this same impression? Volkheimer is frequently described as looking at Werner "tenderly," and in the 1970s, we learnt that Volkheimer has lived all these years alone, has not married and has no children. At that time in the 20th century in Germany, I assume that it would be very difficult to be out, and therefore, it would have been much easier to remain closeted. I do not think the author wanted to make it obvious that Volkheimer is either gay or straight, but I do feel like he planted that seed of a possibility. To me, it feels purposeful by the author. Anyone else?
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