All the Light We Cannot See - Doerr - 5 Stars

[Kelly]

This was an excellent book. The author beautify told a War World II story that was different then others I have read. Although it briefly touches on many of the terrible things that happened in camps and others who where taken advantage of in the war, this is not their story. This one is about Werner and Marie-Laure. They are children during the war. Both lose their parents. She is French and he is German, so they are on opposite sides. They are are kind, but war takes its toll and he ends up in the army and cannot live the life he wishes. She is blind and has gone to stay in a small town by the sea to be with her great uncle who is still scared of life due to things he went through in the first World War. Marie-Claire and this uncle start to take chances and it slowly brings him back to his past self.

Werner and Marie-Laure only cross paths for one day. It is a day of heavy fighting during the war and the reader wonders if they make it through.

Brilliantly weaved through this is another story line of a diamond removed from a museum in Paris. It is rumored to have strong power. There is a search for this missing jewel that makes its way to the main characters. Again the story is lovely.

As I read this book I could not put it down. I wanted to know what would happen next, and wanted everyone to be alright. A lot of the minor characters are interesting. There are bullies and those picked on, then one who is strong may at times do unexpected things to help others. Not every German is bad and not every French person is good. It is a time when it is hard to do things that are not in the interest of self preservation. I highly recommend this book.

[Karin]

Agree on the 5 stars! Plus I gave it 3 hearts. By far the best book I've read (this one I listened to) in years. There was really nothing to criticize with this book, was there?

[Kelly]

It was great! One of my all time favorites also!

[Susie]

One of my favourite reads of 2015.

[Diane]

I enjoyed this one also.

[Jennifer]

Yep, top read of 2015 for me too. Still think about these characters from time to time. And wonder what I would have done had I been placed in one of their shoes.

[Anita]

So glad you loved this one, Kelly. It truly was excellent . . .

[Book Concierge]

Another fan!