Between the Lines: All the Light We Cannot See

Today I'm joining Kristyn from Chits & Giggles for the Between the Lines book club review of All the Light We Cannot See. You can read my initial thoughts and review of the book here.

 

 

1. When Werner and Jutta first hear the Frenchman on the radio, he concludes his broadcast by saying “Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever”. How do you think this phrase relates to the overall message of the story?

I think this message is basically saying to follow your instincts, think for yourself and form your own opinions about things before the "ways of the world" and propaganda lead you to believe things that just aren't true and your moral compass is ruined.

 

2. Why do you think Marie-Laure gave Werner the little iron key? Why might Werner have gone back for the wooden house but left the Sea of Flames?

I believe that Marie-Laure gave Werner the iron key because she trusted him. She could not see, so she only had her instincts to go on. She knew he was a German soldier, but she also knew that he came to find her when she needed help. I think Werner left the Sea of Flames for Marie-Laure to find. I think, in his mind, if she returned to find the sea of flames still waiting for her, that she would know how much he cared for her.

 

3. The author writes, “To shut your eyes is to guess nothing of blindness.” What did you learn or realize about blindness through Marie-Laure’s perspective? Do you think her being blind gave her any advantages?

I had a Great Grandfather who was blinded by glaucoma when I was just a baby. He had his vision for the majority of his life so I'm sure it affected him differently, just as it did Marie-Laure. I think blindness opened their minds to their other senses - they had to rely on their hearing, sense of smell, and touch, instead of sight, and in a way I think this could have given Marie-Laure certain advantages.

 

4. The narration moves back and forth both in time and between different characters. How do you think the experience would have been different if the story had been told entirely in chronological order?

I liked that the book was written from different times and perspectives. Actually, books with different protagonist perspectives are my favorite. With this particular book, I think the time changes added to the "mysteriousness" of the book and made it a little more interesting.

Did you read All the Light We Cannot See? Do you agree or disagree with my answers to these questions? Answer in the comments below!