Attention readers: We changed up the schedule a bit for May, so this is being posted May 1st, instead of the end of May, and likely the post scheduled for today will be posted at that time. I appreciate Carissa stepping in early. :)
Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?
Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?
CO ~ I am a total book lover and writer wannabe. (No guts, no glory.)
Title of Fiction book & year published
All the Light We Cannot See, May 2014
Author name
Anthony Doerr
Type of book
Historical fiction
What is it about this
book that pulled you in?
CO ~ It takes place in Paris, France, (one of my favorite places), and Berlin,
Germany during the Hitler regime. Yet the story is about compassion and
brotherly/familial love that defies even the most evil of circumstances. It is
written with impeccable detail and beautiful metaphors – at times almost
poetic. Anthony Doerr is now one of my
favorite authors, along with Barbara Kingsolver.
Is there a relationship
in the story that resonated with you?
CO ~ The way the father of the main character takes care of his blind daughter
is such a testament to what we will do for our children to equip them for life
without us if necessary. The other main character is in an orphanage with his
sister, and as complex as their relationship becomes, their love for one
another never diminishes.
Do you think that
relationship was portrayed realistically?
CO ~ Given the context of the historical background, I immediately believed
the story was realistic, and sadly, some parts were probably very true to life.
Having said that, this is not a completely sad story. There are triumphs and
pleasures found throughout the book.
Anything else you want
to tell us about the book?
CO ~ You do not have to be a historical fiction fan to fall in love with this book. It is so well written, you will feel like you are in France enjoying the wafts of freshly made baguettes, or in Berlin listening to the forbidden radio broadcasts. This book is about war, yes, but so much more than that. It is a book about love, sacrifice, over coming fear; in short – it’s about the human condition.
JHA ~ Thanks so much, Carissa, for recommending this book, and especially for stepping in as guest a few weeks early! I've heard nothing but great things about this book, and need to read it.
Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book? If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!
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Thanks for recommending this book, Carissa. I'm hearing from others (on Facebook) how much they enjoyed this book, and it sounds like one both men and women will enjoy. I mentioned to you I'd checked it out of the library, only read the first 50 pages or so, then ended up returning it to the library. Did this book pull you in right away?
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading this and enjoying. My favorite part right now is the father-daughter relationship - it's rather beautiful. I will say I was not a fan of chapter zero - though I think on it as I continue to read, so in that respect it is effective. I got pulled in pretty quickly with both the father-daughter story and the boy's affinity for electronics. Doerr's characters are relatable right from the get-go.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet. Carissa was unable to leave a comment (frustrating blogs!) so I wanted to let you know. I don't remember a chapter zero, but that must have been part of the beginning I read. I will definitely try to get my hands on this novel again, it has had such great reviews!
DeleteThanks, Carissa. It is definitely a book on the top of my to-read list. My husband I have been watching the old series from Herman Wouk's WINDS OF WAR and WAR AND REMEMBRANCE. It's hard to believe our parents, at least mine, lived through that time. Beth
ReplyDeleteI agree, Beth. I think of all the people who fought in wars over the years, and the people who had to live in the midst of war, and what they had to endure. I love these types of books and have requested it again from the library. This time I'm making sure I have time to read it!
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