All The Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr

This is the story of Marie -Laure ,a French blind girl and Werner , a German young boy prodigy set during World War- II . Marie lives with her father near Museum of Natural History where his father works as Master of locks. She is bit shy but courageous and she learned to navigate through her streets.His father was given one of the  museum's most famous item 'Sea of Flames' stone to take into safety when German's attacked France.  When the invasion started , they moved to Saint-Malo to be with her uncle. One can easily feel as blind when reading Marie's own words.

“A real diamond is never perfect.” 

Werner ,an orphan boy, grows up with his sister , Jutta , in  German. He was very interested in Radio and learnt to build and arrange radio. This talent wins him a place at a military school and he becomes a best tracker. He travels with youth army along Russia and other places before reaching Saint-Malo. His school life specially his friendship with Fredericks and horrible ways Nazi regiment treated these kids were told beautifully.

“Don’t you want to be alive before you die?” 

The story switches between these two main characters cutting back and forth in time creates great suspense, a master stroke by the author. Each chapter ends with something to ponder.One is beloved and fortunate and another is Orphan and less fortunate.One loves science and another loves books. Marie and Werner met in a dramatic setting ( From the beginning I waited for this meeting!!). Both protects themselves to the core. Werner helped her to escape from Von Rumpel to safety but he was captured by Allied force and killed in mine blast. The hours they spent together remains with Marie even after her marriage.

“Time is a slippery thing: lose hold of it once, and its string might sail out of your hands forever.” 

Marie 's father is another wonderful character , he builds tiny models of the places she would go. And make sure that she knows the intricate details of those buildings. His heartfelt letters to Marie during his time in prison speaks volume about his character.

“What do we call visible light? We call it color. But the electromagnetic spectrum runs to zero in one direction and infinity in the other, so really, children, mathematically, all of light is invisible.” 

Another interesting character is Von Rumpel, the Nazi officer in charge of collecting precious stones and arts for Hilter's future museum . His relentless search for the "Sea of Flames" is something I will remember for a long time because in spite of his poor health and family situation he was stead fast in finding it and more importantly his belief in that stone.

“Every outcome has its cause, and every predicament has its solution.”

 “Radio: it ties a million ears to a single mouth.” 

Each character is unique and memorable. (Madame Manec and Etienne) Many characters show great courage and selflessness throughout the story.The book is enthralling , written beautifully and emotionally charged, it will bring tears.  The realistic portrayal of the war environment makes this book more engaging and interesting.

There is no question this author is a master storyteller , his attention to detail is amazing. Ambitious and heartfelt book. Awesome book . A must read.