All the Light We Cannot See is a gripping novel that unfolds during the dark days of World War II. It tells the story of Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl, and Werner Pfennig, a German boy, whose lives intertwine in occupied France. Marie-Laure grows up in Paris, where her father works at the Museum of Natural History. When she loses her sight at a young age, her father constructs a detailed model of their neighborhood, allowing her to learn how to navigate the world through touch. As the Nazis invade Paris, Marie-Laure and her father escape to the fortified city of Saint-Malo to live with her mysterious great-uncle, taking with them a precious jewel that holds significant danger.

On the other side of the conflict, Werner is an orphan in Germany, fascinated by radio technology. His skill with radios earns him a place at a harsh Hitler Youth academy and a subsequent role that forces him to track down members of the Resistance. As Werner navigates the horrors of war, he becomes increasingly aware of the human suffering that surrounds him. Their separate journeys lead Werner to Saint-Malo, where his and Marie-Laure's paths finally converge. This novel, richly crafted by Anthony Doerr, captures the resilience of the human spirit, exploring themes of love, survival, and the quest for goodness amid chaos. With vivid imagery and poignant metaphors, the narrative reveals how even in the darkest times, people find ways to connect and support one another. All the Light We Cannot See is a heartfelt and moving tale that resonates long after the last page is turned.