Genetta asked this question about All the Light We Cannot See:
[Spoiler Alert] Why do you think the author decided to add the rape scene? Does it add anything to the characters' arcs? Does it propel the plot forward? Does anything result from that scene? Frau Elena, Jutta, and the other three girls were already obviously miserable. The reader has already experienced the cruelty of war. Why was the rape scene necessary?
Katharine Best No, it wasn't necessary. In fact, it felt odd to suddenly insert this aspect of cruelty to such a suffering world. Unless, it was simply to put a fact…moreNo, it wasn't necessary. In fact, it felt odd to suddenly insert this aspect of cruelty to such a suffering world. Unless, it was simply to put a fact about the conditions of war and women out there. The story could have gone on without it in my opinion.(less)
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All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr (Goodreads Author)
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