Anthony Doerr on All the Light We Cannot See

#1 New York Times bestselling author Anthony Doerr pops into the studio to discuss his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "All the Light We Cannot See" and the writing inspiration that started it all. Anthony Doerr tells of his initial idea to create a story involving the "magic" of modern communication (radios, phones, etc.) all the way back in 2004. After a trip to France, Anthony's writing inspiration continued when visiting Saint-Malo, a city almost completely destroyed during World War II. The final piece of narrative for "All the Light We Cannot See" came from his research into Paris during the Nazi invasion, and the Parisian attempt to protect all of its treasures. Each of these interests and fascinations led to Anthony Doerr's writing inspiration of the story of radio, the invasion of Paris, and a boy trapped in Saint-Malo.

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[hubb]

It is embarrassingly plain how inadequate language is.. in describing what a treat reading this novel was.  

[marilyngould]

Thankyou Anthony, .... I live in. Normandy France just 50kms from St Malo. I walked every street with Marie Laure, I could hear her, Werner, Etienne and Jutta on every page. A wonderful story and a must read. I love your writing style and will now research the rest of your books. Marilyn

[MemKate]

Thank you Anthony Doerr for this magical story. It is an absolute treasure; the way you have described the times, delineated the characters and drawn together the elements into a thoroughly believable tale. Co-incidentally, after I had read it, I discovered my great-great-grandmother's half-brothers were at boarding school at St Malo in the early 1800s.

[Amywaymee]

this book is definitely going to be a movie, I can feel it!

[Fox-nd]

This is one of my fave books of all time...and I have read a lot! Anthony Doerr is a magical writer!!

[janpairsh]

I read voraciously and this was my favorite book of 2014. The prose kept me enchanted throughout the book.. Loved the characters and the relationship between Marie and her father.

[lifeandall]

This has been one of the most incredible books I've read and will be one of the best books you read this year. 

[stellarose]

This is the best book I’ve ever read. I borrowed it from my school library and fell in love. The perspectives from each character are amazing. Very well written 💖

[JanisRaderPiano]

Dear Mr. Doerr, thank you for explaining how you came up with the threads of your extraordinary novel.  Your stunning writing inspires me daily.  Janis Rader

[albertklamt]

I saw the film on Netflix last year. Together with my wife. Was a marvellous experience. So much in sync what thouched me over decades as phenomenon. Communication is more than we can imagine.

[vjpulver]

Your book is so engaging - the characters have come alive for me. The story line is  well thought out and the details are fascinating. I feel as if I have been through all the experiences you describe. I am also enamored (sp?) of your writing style - what beautiful metaphors and poetic language.  I am so grateful for this book. <3 - Ginn, In Sunny SC

[lorrainefoord]

Anthony, you are brilliant and I've opened an account here just to say so!  I've read The Shell Collector and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I cannot wait until this new book comes out in May.  You can never go back to the same person you were before disappearing into a book!!!  Blessings to you and yours

[johnocallaghan]

This is the most beautiful book I think I have ever read. I so often had to just stop and marvel. Many thanks!

[katietravers]

Brilliantly written. It was one of those books where I was sad to get to the end.

[ryelawson]

Best Book Ever..Thank you for this treasure.

[artec]

Quite simply one of the best books I've ever read, and I've read a few! :)

[JuleszzC]

An amazing book - I was so invested in the characters.

[Laguna]

I loved the section where the kids would listen to a science broadcast. Were these real? If so, how can we find them now so fascinating!

[maanan]

This book is so, so beautiful, I wonder if I will ever forget it. You are a magician. Cant wait to see its movie, (if it is ever made)

[trayfor]

Just started reading the book, its an amazing read. Thank You Anthony Doerr