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WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.
Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.
In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.
Doerr’s “stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors” (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, a National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer “whose sentences never fail to thrill” (Los Angeles Times).

Apple Books: Customer Ratings

Average

 4.5 (5,855 Ratings)

Apple Books: Customer Reviews

All the Light We Cannot See

 – 
Jeffclt
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2017-06-20
This book brought back inspiration as a reader. After many years lost. It touched my soul with the author's beautiful language and lovable, flawed, genuine characters. My heart is bursting. Must read!

Great

 – 
Amirrrram
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2017-05-30
The best book

Haunting

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Jane C. N.
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2017-05-18
A haunting story of love and loss during WWII and its aftermath.

Amazing

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Matth1023
 – 
2017-05-10
Everything about this book, from start to finish, was absolutely incredible!

Magnificent

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BerryBronte
 – 
2017-04-29
This was such an enjoyable read! Magnificent imagery; wonderful characters that touch the human spirit. Definitely recommend to anyone who is fan of World War 2 era novels. Very well written.

THIS BOOK IS TRASH

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Lilly Bottoms
 – 
2017-04-23
Trash.

Long...

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Terikosan
 – 
2017-03-15
Beautifully written saga of several different lives intersecting during WWII. It was a great piece of storytelling but definitely could have used a dose of suspense and/or action to move it along. Found myself trying to rush through the book to finish it instead of rushing through it to find out what happens.

So beautiful

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Christo1224
 – 
2016-12-26
Brilliant story written beautifully.

All the Light We Cannot See

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Pat, Hudson Ohio
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2016-12-01
This is one of the most amazing WW II books I've ever read. Doerr brings not only history into this intriguing story, but he weaves science, music, medicine and so, so much more into this excellent view of Nazi occupied northern France. The closer I got to the end of the book, the more I realized that this was not just a terrific read, it was an absolutely exceptional book which I've since read over and over.
To the person considering this as his/her next book to read, I would say "just don't miss this! You have no idea what this young author has in store for you".

Magnificent!

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Rpnzltchr
 – 
2016-11-23
Loved this book; the twists and turns, the characters and the rich descriptive writing. Absolutely beautiful! Stayed up way too late, couldn't put it down.

Not What I Expected

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1Marigolds1
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2016-11-13
I went into this book thinking it would be about the mechanics of WW2, not a story. Yet I still continued to read it and by the end I was crying and smiling.
I'm not going to spoil anything. But I will say, if you haven't picked it up then do it! It deserves five stars and I think you will understand why once you read.

Great Book

 – 
TaraBaraCO
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2016-09-23
I couldn't put it down. I loved this book.

Captivating

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Jrw387
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2016-09-12
Read this book in 3 days and didn't want it to end. The detail used by the author allows your mind to bring you to that exact moment making you feel the emotions of each character. Undeniably one of the best books of our generation. You will lose yourself in this one....and when you get back to reality you will thank god for your wonderful life.

All the Light We Cannot See

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KatsCatsKats
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2016-09-10
This masterpiece is packed with Haunting description. It now resides in my top ten Best Reads ever!
Timeline masterfully mimicked our own seldom-sequential memories. Easy to read, hard to put down and impossible to forget these characters and the unimaginable choices they made.

Didn't get very far

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3penny
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2016-07-18
I know a lot of people think this book is great. I got bored with it midway through and stopped reading it. Just couldn't get into it, but what I did read was depressing and I didn't really care what happened to the characters. Maybe I've read too many WW2 books recently and need to give it another try. But that won't be for a long time!

I loved it right until the very end

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iantaylor_11
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2016-06-28
I absolutely adored this book as I was reading it. Normally I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, but this one kept me gripped and invested in the characters enough that it didn't bother me much. What I did mind, though, was the ending, which seemed to wrap up like a fairy tale and didn't at all match the very real tone of the novel up until that point. It seemed like way too clean and coincidental of an ending.

I hate stories like this

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aa1ww
 – 
2016-06-22
Don't waste your time unless you like investing in a bunch of characters who die tragically amidst the hell of war. Great visualization of the diverse but converging stories then everybody dies except one. Oh, and there's one other that lives but he's severely brain damaged. Wow, do I feel edified after that masterpiece!

Bored.

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Jessiep813
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2016-05-31
I was honestly disappointed. I recent read "the nightingale" which takes place in France during world war 2 and I couldn't put it down. This book really never captured me. I found myself struggling to push through and just wanting to get to the end.

Exquisite

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Desigal7
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2016-05-17
Beautifully written story about the darkest of times told from a entirety human point of view. Knew it was different and special within the first two pages.

Brought me back to fiction

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scodge
 – 
2016-04-19
I haven't read pure fiction for some time, but this beautiful book has re-opened my eyes to the enjoyment I can receive from something besides narrative non fiction. I just finished it, but I'll be starting it again tomorrow.

I guess I’m not seeing it..

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BeMooreToday
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2016-04-11
The writing was done very well. Great description and just the right amount of detail. However, I just couldn’t get into the plot. Some parts really had me thinking “Ok, here we go..This is when it get’s good”, but then it just dies off and transitions back to a lot of “radomoness”. This is the type of book that had such short chapters though, so maybe that’s what threw me off. Bottom line, I guess I’m just not seeing all the amazing reviews it’s gotten..

Deserves Its Awards

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Pelogic
 – 
2016-04-09
After reading this book, I'm confused that some reviewers found it to be "boring" and report that it is plotless. In fact the plot begins immediately and the author masterfully shifts time and place to unfold it. The characters, including several of the secondary ones, are drawn with great depth. The imagery is highly evocative. And in just about every other way it's interesting. The only fault I could find was the ending was somewhat disappointing, but only because I had such high hopes for the key characters, and not all my hopes for them were realized - but that's real life, isn't it? I've read most of the Pulitzer winners over a period of almost 50 years, and I believe this novel is as deserving of the honor as most.

Unpleasant tedious read

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ScubaDyer
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2016-03-30
Sure it got a prize, sure it took ten years to write. Sure I did well in literature classes at an elite school. Tedious book, but after a while one can skim to get to the last page.

Best book ever

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Natty no name
 – 
2016-03-12
It's amazing! Really, best book ever!

All the light...

 – 
rms657j
 – 
2016-02-27
splendid.

Amazing.

 – 
Kkkkkkk564654654654
 – 
2016-02-18
Just read it. Take your time.

Good

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Chunky chocolate shim sham
 – 
2016-02-03
Han Solo dies at the end of Star Wars

Great read

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Jswood1
 – 
2016-02-01
Enjoyable read, very well written. A good perspective as seen from both sides of the war. Highly recommend

Excellently written

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Emcal9
 – 
2016-01-27
It is hard to put into words how good this book is and why...simply put, it's one of the best stories I've read in quite some time.

:(

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Jobananas77
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2016-01-22
It took me so long to get through the this book. Several chapters I would get hooked then it would dull down. I wanted the characters stories to intertwine so much sooner and when they finally did it was so brief. I wanted to enjoy this story more than I did but I just couldn't.

Thoughtful, enchanting, eye opening.

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Lovecaitlife
 – 
2016-01-06
This book was amazing. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen it was different, which was what I was torn with. I love the story and how it turned out, but I kept wanting it to go in a different direction. Refreshing being surprised by the story line and loving it.

Breathtakingly beautiful and enrapturing

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Karla-la777
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2016-01-03
Hard to put this one down. Makes you feel like you're watching the story unfold before your eyes. Worth every penny and only sad that it had to end! Must read!!

Very good, but VERY slow

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Dukeh62
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2015-12-27
A wonderful story with wonderful detail. However, the middle half of the book was painfully slow. As much as I appreciated the story and character/scene developments, I also felt they could have been abbreviated to keep the story moving. I'm glad I stuck with it, but this was the first book in years that I came close to giving up on.

All the Light We Cannot See

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Hipster of folk
 – 
2015-12-22
Amazing.

Mediocre

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Jasey Clarke
 – 
2015-12-19
This book was pretty boring and the characters had almost no personality. It kind of drags on too long to be worth the read.

A must read

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Tjtgirl
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2015-12-09
Very touching and realistic. I hope it becomes a movie

Beautiful and more than I dream to see

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EnvyKisses
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2015-11-30
This book is beautifully written. The main character is a young blind French girl and so there is a lot of detail that goes into describing what she cannot see. It was so descriptive that at times, I felt as if I was there and could even smell the air. It transports you to war, to Germany, to France, to those unfortunate days in history where innocence disappeared and loved ones lost. This was a heavier read than usual for me, but I honestly did not want this book to end.

Authentic

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Belochen
 – 
2015-11-20
I am French and come from near Saint Malo. This book was fascinating and gave another dimension to all the WWII stories I have already heard. I really can picture the whole book

Amazing

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Shabrooq
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2015-11-16
I just finished reading this book right now and honestly, it was a fantastic well written book. You really connect with characters and go through the journey with them.

Great book!

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Whatsnot2like
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2015-11-15
I'm normally a thriller and mystery type reader but I took a chance on this book because of all the great reviews. I was not disappointed! This is possibly one of the best books I have ever read. So detailed (but not overly so) that all of my senses were engaged; I was there with the characters and in one case I actually held my breath so I wouldn't be heard.

Amazing

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MrsHull17
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2015-11-08
I couldn't put this book down. It was simply amazing and so well written I felt like I was there. I was disappointed that it ended and wish there was more!

Magnificent story. Well written

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RugbydocUSAFPJ
 – 
2015-11-06
One of the best novels I have read. Well worth your time.

Right cover Wrong Book

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DebsyOD
 – 
2015-10-30
I downloaded this from iBooks and while the cover and headings at the top seem correct the actual content on the pages is Fifty Shades of Grey can someone please fix this

Beautiful!

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Curiouswit
 – 
2015-10-19
Loved this story. Character development was on the mark. Beautifully crafted story.

Breathtaking

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Huggie Face
 – 
2015-10-16
Absolutely loved this book. It was so well written. The author takes you on this journey with the two main characters that you'll never want it to end.

Incredible

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ShortStack11
 – 
2015-10-09
Easily one of the best books I've ever read.

Amazing!

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Roman4ev
 – 
2015-10-09
Thank you Anthony Doerr for taking me on this journey. Emotionally charged!

Absolutely amazing!

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Lynds13
 – 
2015-10-08
I hardly ever rate a novel 5 stars but this one was phenomenal. You must read it!

Wonderfully written

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P3Y70N
 – 
2015-10-06
Characters as big as life, easy to read, wonderful story.

All the light we cannot see

 – 
Vancango
 – 
2015-10-04
Doerr descriptions are near to Steinbeck quality.

Sad, depressing, unsatisfying.

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Pond Girl
 – 
2015-09-29
I'm sorry. There is obvious effort and talent here but I don't see enough light to enjoy the trip.

Boring

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SSiErRa85
 – 
2015-08-25
Plot doesn't start until page 400. Snail pace, barely any excitement, would not recommend.

All the Light We Cannot See

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Rocketgirl56
 – 
2015-07-07
I was very disappointed in this book. There was endless trivial, repetitive detail that served no function except to extend what was probably a good short story into the length of a novel. I found it very boring until the last few chapters. The loss of the primary male character was treated in a "ho hum" manner, and in similar fashion, the book just suddenly stopped. I will not read another book by this author.

Too Long & Drawn Out

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LoriChukk
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2015-06-17
So disappointed in this highly touted book. I almost put it down half way through. It began to drag, and I thought, "Get on with it already!" You knew the 2 protagonists' lives were going to eventually intersect, but it was too little too late. By the time it happened it was anti-climactic. And although all the loose ends were tied up, the ending just fizzled.

Awful

 – 
Omlit3737
 – 
2015-03-26
Just awful

Poignant, Masterpiece

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Atltop
 – 
2015-03-09
Absolutely the best thing I have ever read. This book broke my heart a thousand times over, but in such beautiful and wholesome little ways. The interweaving plots, the mythical element, the very real war - Anthony Doerr's writing is breathtaking.

All the Light We Cannot See

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katYsPop
 – 
2015-03-07
Simply put, it was a privilege to read this novel.

All the light we cannot see

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Ekcndjdnd
 – 
2015-03-02
Chapters out of order. Makes for frustrating read!!! Do not buy ebook....

All the Light We Cannot See

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Wolfhead9
 – 
2014-12-30
Mesmerizing, my first real trip to Europe! I was walking the streets of Paris & Saint Malo as a blind girl; as a german boy w/a knack for fixing electronics. I could not put this book down & was only disappointed when it was finished. Thank you!

A beautiful reading experience

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Royjoyboy
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2014-12-28
My title says it all. This novel is filled with thoughtful and inspiring moments.
Life is so beautiful and so beguiling.
Read this and be intellectually and emotionally moved.

Lovely

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Terapintpaf
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2014-12-28
Sometimes it seems as it every book I
I know up is about WWII. What story could be left to tell? This one was not told. It may be fiction, but it speaks of love and honor. Please read it; you will not be disappointed.

All The Light We Cannot See

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All the light we cannot see
 – 
2014-12-27
This is really one of the best books that I have ever read, and I think that anyone who doesn't appreciate it wasn't taking time to really experience it.

All the light we cannot see

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Potty Lu
 – 
2014-12-27
I absolutely loved reading this beautiful well crafted story ... A must read for everyone .

Painful read

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Cokie L
 – 
2014-12-26
Sometimes you just don't connect with a book and that was the case with this one. I struggled all the way through this novel. There were passages that kept me hoping it would smooth out, so I stuck with it. Bottom line for me? Very depressing novel not worth the read.

Extraordinary

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Zaptrax
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2014-12-23
This book is extraordinary in so many ways. From the story to the characters to the structure to the prose it is a work of art. If you love to read, you will want to read this book. If you don't love to you read, then you should definitely read this book because you will fall in love with reading.

All the light we cannot see.

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Alalallala
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2014-12-22
Took me a while to engage but once I was there I didn't want to leave. A haunting, beautiful and unsettling story that you'll want to share..

Great

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BuddyDale
 – 
2014-12-22
Drawn in from the first few pages, I didn't want to put this one down.

All the Light We Cannot See

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Lollipopski
 – 
2014-12-21
Great book. Very factual. Disappointing ending. 😕

Captivating

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Augite1
 – 
2014-12-02
A rich story woven with the lives of its characters. So much sadness & darkness in the plot, yet the descriptions of place were vivid & crystal clear. I didn't want this story to end.

Review

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Lit sonics
 – 
2014-12-01
Haunting and mesmerizing, this story held me captive until the last page.

Beautifully written story

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Marckaufmam
 – 
2014-11-24
I loved this book and the writing was exceptional. I highly recommend you add this to your must read list!

Heart melting joy

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Dreaming Through Words
 – 
2014-11-24
Any book that has paris linked in it is either good bad horrible or extraordinary. This book proved to be absolutely exceptional. My friend told me how boring it was and her shoot downs were just empty actions that were complete lies. The whole story though written in paragraph form showed tremendous poetic beauty that led me to tears and melting my heart on a cold and stressful day. The bottom line is if you just surpass this book and do not give it a chance I would think again and instead read it and let it absorb your tears and guarantee your eternal happiness through light you cannot see.

All the Light We Cannot See

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100Bluebirds
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2014-11-18
Doerr's writing is beautifully descriptive. He truly paints a picture in one's mind with his creative metaphors. I especially enjoyed the way the story was told from the two main characters's points of view. I was sad when I finished this wonderful book.

Magnificent!

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The highlife!
 – 
2014-11-14
This sublime tale of life with sight and sound and survival without either is what literary dreams are made of. A
beautifully crafted story I will remember always. Intricate and intense. Bravo! Genius!

Best Read

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sthamikat
 – 
2014-11-12
Doerr's writing is superb and the story is heartwarming, suspenseful and intriguing. It was hard to put this book down and I looked forward to reading time every day.

All the Light We Cannot See

 – 
antiwarmom
 – 
2014-11-08
Brilliant and unforgettable.

All The Light We Cannot See

 – 
Greblitz
 – 
2014-11-04
A creative writing form but Doerr's novel does it for me.This is a very disturbing and captivating book. It goes far beyond a World War II insight novel although it serves that purpose as well. I thought the special strength of the book was the way in which it wove it's characters together as they worked their way toward inevitable meeting. I don't pretend to know the true soul of the novel as

All the light we cannot see

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comouomo
 – 
2014-10-15
I don't want to waste too many words on this book....had to force myself to finish when I was half way through the book....truly one if the worst books I have ever read...the author fancies himself as a poet/historian/renaissance man......I would never read one of his books again....

Magnificent

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Auggie's Man
 – 
2014-10-14
The story, the characters, the humanity. Wonderful. All wonderful.

Best book I've read in a long while

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Nicki0718
 – 
2014-09-18
There are no ifs ands or buts when it comes to this book, just do yourself a favor and read it!

Beautiful

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ShirlyS07
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2014-09-07
I have fallen in love with this book. It's so detailed is beautiful. Every time I finish reading a book I always end up feeling so empty, like there is always something missing :( , but this one, it's the first that left me whole.
I recommend this to everyone, they will love it.

A sublime, heartbreakingly beautiful wartime tale

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richlcmc
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2014-07-25
In a coal miner's orphanage, an extremely bright German boy discovers a broken radio, repairs it and is mesmerized by a voice from far away. A young blind girl has finally mastered navigating her small Parisian neighborhood thanks to her father's painstaking re-creation of it in miniature. The war wrenches from them the lives they knew sending them, inevitably, into each other's arms.
After finishing Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch", it wasn't easy to find a book that could satisfy, or stand up to my newly raised expectations. Anthony Doerr's writing was spare and eloquent to Ms. Tartt's poetically rich and generous prose, yet both have told tales that will haunt me for years to come.

Read This Magical Novel that Reveals What Few Can See

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Siesta Bloom
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2014-07-23
This novel by Anthony Doerr tells a story like an infinite seashell, curving gracefully upon itself, of a blind French girl and a German orphan who is a technical genius with radio equipment cross paths during the madness of World War II. But this book is so much more, it is one of the best books I have ever read. Find out for yourself! Savor it!

Tough to read

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WP-GJM
 – 
2014-07-22
The book is good. I had to read it. But it was tough with lots of words. Full of sadness but that time was full of sadness. I am glad I read it to see another side of WWII history.

All the i have seen in this book.

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SJkukde
 – 
2014-07-19
This book just became one of my favourite books. Characters, language everything in this book made me turn the page one by one till i finished it.

Breathtaking

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Dibbrown
 – 
2014-07-16
My favorite book I've ever read by far. Mesmerizingly good.

All The Light We Cannot See

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Hat36
 – 
2014-07-15
A wonderful book about connection, survival, redemption, forgiveness. Well worth reading, especially by those who lived through those years, and whose families were deeply affected by it.

Fabulous!

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Chibby.
 – 
2014-07-04
Simply one of the best books I've read in a long time. And I've been reading a lot. Don't miss it.

Patient and sentimental, but urgent at the same time

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Leftovers left no ending
 – 
2014-07-03
A read a couple dozen pages each night, but I reached a point where I had to finish it. It was very easy to get lost in this book.

Beautiful

 – 
Warrickt
 – 
2014-07-02
Wonderful book, had to turn off the page countdown as the thought of it ending was saddening.

Captivating!

 – 
kelseydonk
 – 
2014-06-20
I spent absolutely all day reading this book and I loved every second. While some parts were difficult to read, the whole book was so beautifully written. A must-read perspective changer!

All the Light We Cannot See

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Summer in Weggis
 – 
2014-06-12
Very well writen and absorbing. The characters created were endearing. The historical information with the 2 main characters made it a great read.

Good, but too long - needs tightening

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Mac-Chick
 – 
2014-06-11
Intriguing, good story set in France during WWII. I enjoyed both the stories of Marie and Werner. I also like the minor characters as well. Heart-wrenching at times, there is much sadness but there is also joy found within the ashes. I loved Fredrick, always loyal and good.
I would have given this book more stars had the book not meandered and lost focus several times, running out of steam. During these times I grew frustrated and just wanted to finish. While I liked how things are wrapped up in the ending, it just went on too much and would have kept my attention more had there been more concise editing.
If you enjoy WWII stories with great characters and don’t mind winding through some unessential pages you will likely love this book.

Tremendous

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123w93
 – 
2014-06-08
Amazing, beautiful, the kind of story you never want to end, every character you want to meet, wartime history - what more could one possibly ask for? Read it, and treasure every single page.

Great

 – 
Ahmed Ayman
 – 
2014-06-06
Great

All the Light We Cannot See

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Keeks&Tux
 – 
2014-05-29
This beautifully written novel deserves 5 stars. It is a wonderful story which transports you through France and Germany during the war. Through the author's magical writing you are able to visualize each character. I didn't want this book to end.

Magnificent and Moving

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Therealmemory
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2014-05-25
I believe this is one of the best books I have ever read...and I've been an avid reader for well over 60 years! The tapestry that Tony Doerr has woven shimmers with humanity and compassion even as it evokes a most inhuman time during WWII. Every character is drawn with a subtle but exacting touch, so that the reader is drawn into the story with a feeling of intimacy. This is true of even the most minor characters;with Doerr no person or element is minor. His injection into the story of a mythical jewel and the search for it by a maniacal Nazi serves as a counterpoint to the delicacy of the lead characters, who remain totally unaware of its value. The story concludes but never ends because we are left with the haunting memories of this magnificent book. Absolutely a stunner of extraordinary power.