Ever found yourself wondering about the setting of the iconic novel turned series ‘All the Light We Cannot See’? You’re not alone! This question is quite popular among fans and newcomers alike.
‘All the Light We Cannot See’ transports us back in time, but where exactly does its story unfold? Let’s dive into the heart of this hauntingly beautiful narrative.
The Setting Unveiled
The tale of ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ straddles two main locations: the walled city of Saint-Malo in France, and a tiny coal mining town in Germany. These contrasting backdrops provide the canvas for this captivating World War II saga.
Saint-Malo, with its historic ramparts and lofty position by the sea, serves as a fortress for Marie-Laure, a blind French girl seeking refuge from the Nazi invasion. This picturesque city on the Brittany coast becomes a central character in its own right, shaping much of the novel’s atmosphere. The bleak, yet hopeful, ambiance of Saint-Malo during the war captures readers’ imaginations, transporting them to a time of turmoil and resilience.
More Than Just a Place
However, ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ does more than just explore geographical locations. The novel delves into the metaphorical landscapes of its main characters’ lives. Through the eyes of Marie-Laure and Werner Pfennig, a German boy engulfed in the machinery of war because of his talent with radio technology, we see the light and darkness pervading their worlds.
The setting, thus, becomes a backdrop to the larger themes of hope, survival, and the human spirit’s indomitable resilience. Anthony Doerr’s meticulous research and descriptive prowess bring these locations to life, imbuing them with a sense of wonder amidst the war’s devastation.