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?
Robyn Brady I hated that it happened but I felt that it was very important to show how many of the German people suffered during and after the war. I think it was…moreI hated that it happened but I felt that it was very important to show how many of the German people suffered during and after the war. I think it was another example of how horrible war truly is. While Werner's sister and house mother suffered, you didn't hear as much about their suffering and I thought this showed how truly cruel war is.(less)
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by Anthony Doerr (Goodreads Author)
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