Curious about where the captivating story of ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ unfolds? You’re not alone! This question often pops up among fans of the gripping World War II novel.
Let’s dig into the heart of the matter and explore the setting of this acclaimed war story.
The Setting of ‘All the Light We Cannot See’
‘All the Light We Cannot See’ transports its readers to occupied France during the tumultuous period of World War II. Specifically, the bulk of the novel’s action takes place in the walled city of Saint-Malo, a stunning location on the Brittany coast of France. But that’s not the only backdrop to this tale; the story also flits to Paris, the vibrant capital before the Nazi invasion forces a dramatic shift in the lives of the characters.
In addition to Saint-Malo and Paris, the narrative takes us on a journey to Germany, providing a glimpse into the life of Werner Pfennig, a German orphan boy whose expertise in radio technology earn him a place in a brutal military school. This geographic and cultural contrast enriches the story, adding depth to the evolving war landscape through the eyes of both Marie-Laure and Werner.
Why Saint-Malo and These Locations Matter
Anthony Doerr chose Saint-Malo not just for its physical beauty but for its symbolic resonance. Surrounded by fortifications, Saint-Malo serves as a metaphor for isolation and resistance, themes deeply woven into the fabric of the story. The city’s history of siege and resilience mirrors the characters’ struggles and the broader narrative of human endurance amidst war’s destruction.
Similarly, Paris and Germany are more than mere settings; they are stages on which the contrasting lives of the novel’s protagonists unfold. Paris, with its pre-war allure and subsequent descent into occupation, represents lost innocence and the dramatic change war imposes on lives and landscapes. Meanwhile, Germany’s portrayal highlights the indoctrination of youth and the crushing weight of conforming to the warped ideals of the Nazi regime.
In ‘All the Light We Cannot See,’ locations are not just backgrounds; they are integral to the story’s emotional and narrative depth, making the settings as compelling as the characters themselves.