ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

With the release of Netflix adaptation of Anthony Doerr's 'All The Light We Cannot See' this November, the Den has picked out this Pulitzer Prize winning novel as an ideal Missed Opportunity read, especially in the month of remembrance. A powerful and epic war novel, this is a stand out read for book clubbers - that will no doubt exceed the screen experience.

Set in France and Germany before and during WW2, the novel follows two young people, Marie-Laure and Werner, on the opposite sides of war whose lives converge in the walled citadel of Saint-Malo in Brittany. As well as following their journey to Saint-Malo, we learn how they survive the devastation of war and against all odds discover ways to survive and be kind to one another.

The novel moves effortlessly back and forth between the two main characters and and their journeys provide a strong sense of adventure and increasing urgency as the book progresses.

Blind since the age of six, Marie-Laure has been guided by her father who built a miniature model of Paris so she can navigate her way home. Her father works at the natural history museum as an important key keeper as well as the guardian of its most valuable diamond. When the Nazis reach Paris, father and daughter leave the city to take refuge and hide the diamond. The parallel story is that of Werner, a young German orphan boy whose fascination with radios brings him to the notice of the Hitler Youth. He becomes a successful radio tracker on the hunt for the Resistance and their hidden treasures.

Although an epic story in length (over 500 pages) this is a mesmerising bittersweet tale that will stay with you and one you will be happy to recommend to friends and book clubs.