Ever caught yourself wondering about the setting of the wartime masterpiece, ‘All The Light We Cannot See’? You’re not alone! This question pops up a lot.
Let’s dive into where the story of ‘All The Light We Cannot See’ unfolds.
The Heart of the Story’s Geography
The novel ‘All The Light We Cannot See’ transports readers to the heart of World War II Europe. Its setting is primarily split between the historic walled city of Saint-Malo in France and the coal mining town of Zollverein in Germany. These locations form the backdrop against which the parallel lives of Marie-Laure LeBlanc and Werner Pfennig unfold.
Saint-Malo, with its storied past and strategic location on the Brittany coast, serves as a fortress for Marie-Laure. In contrast, Zollverein represents the grim reality of Werner’s upbringing and the industrial heartland of Nazi Germany. The novel intricately weaves the stories of these two characters, using its settings to enrich the narrative and highlight the contrasts between their lives.
Why the Setting Matters
The chosen locations aren’t just backdrops; they’re integral to understanding the story’s depth. Saint-Malo, besieged and devastated during World War II, symbolizes resilience and the power of the human spirit amidst destruction. Zollverein, with its mines and military academy, showcases the themes of ambition and the moral compromises individuals make in times of war.
Anthony Doerr, through meticulous research and a narrative that spans these contrasting settings, manages to bring out the complexities of war, the beauty of human connections, and the importance of the natural and technological marvels that surround us. The settings of ‘All The Light We Cannot See’ are as much a character in the novel as Marie-Laure and Werner, providing a rich, sensory experience that underpins the story’s themes.