Winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and many other awards, this book is on the list of favorites for many people. There are two concurrent stories which run in France and Germany just before World Wat II, throughout the war, and a short reflection after the war years. Marie Laure is a young blind girl who flees with her father from Paris as the occupying forces take over France. They end up in the home of her recluse uncle in the fortified town of St. Malo. Werner grows up in Germany under the rise of Nazism. He is sensitive and bright boy who faces the pressures of the Hitler Youth and the Academy to provide skilled soldiers for the war. The story chronicles their lives up to the point where their fates cross over for a brief meeting in St. Malo.

“When I lost my sight, Werner, people said I was brave. When my father left people said I was brave. But it is not bravery; I have no choice. I wake up and live my life. Don’t you do the same?”

Themes of fate, free will, small choices leading to big consequences, courage and humanity are contrasted with the harshness and tragedy of the war that surrounds them. Rich metaphoric language, strong characters, attention to detail, and a carefully crafted plot combine to make a memorable and moving story.

This book is about shared humanity.    Set within a work of literary art, this book is near the top of all the lists of best books of our time.

My rating – 4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5