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What the Light Touches
Acclaimed author Xavier Bosch weaves an emotional tale of love and intrigue in this novel about a woman on the cusp of middle age, her beloved grandma, and a strange houseguest who changes everything.
Seventeen-year-old Margaux doesn’t realize one photo could change the course of her life. But in German-occupied Paris of 1940, nothing makes sense anymore. Margaux fears the worst when her lover is arrested. And when her photo appears in Nazi propaganda, her family’s reputation—and prospects—suffer the consequences.
In 2008, Margaux moves into a retirement home, and her granddaughter Barbara comes to live in her Paris apartment. Eager to escape unhappy circumstances, Barbara works remotely for a publishing company and rents out a room in “Mamie” Margaux’s apartment to help pay the bills.
One day, Barbara finds a stranger on her couch. Roger, who’s a curious photographer, uncovers shocking secrets about Barbara’s family. And when a snowstorm triggers a lockdown, he opens the door to tempting new possibilities.
A bestseller at the 2023 Sant Jordi Book Fair in its original Catalan, Bosch’s sweeping novel alternates between the two timelines, offering sustenance for historical fiction readers, WWII enthusiasts, and romantics alike.
Seventeen-year-old Margaux doesn’t realize one photo could change the course of her life. But in German-occupied Paris of 1940, nothing makes sense anymore. Margaux fears the worst when her lover is arrested. And when her photo appears in Nazi propaganda, her family’s reputation—and prospects—suffer the consequences.
In 2008, Margaux moves into a retirement home, and her granddaughter Barbara comes to live in her Paris apartment. Eager to escape unhappy circumstances, Barbara works remotely for a publishing company and rents out a room in “Mamie” Margaux’s apartment to help pay the bills.
One day, Barbara finds a stranger on her couch. Roger, who’s a curious photographer, uncovers shocking secrets about Barbara’s family. And when a snowstorm triggers a lockdown, he opens the door to tempting new possibilities.
A bestseller at the 2023 Sant Jordi Book Fair in its original Catalan, Bosch’s sweeping novel alternates between the two timelines, offering sustenance for historical fiction readers, WWII enthusiasts, and romantics alike.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
7710 people are currently reading
10093 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Bosch
25 books112 followersXavier Bosch i Sancho (Barcelona, 21 de juliol de 1967) és un periodista i escriptor català. Llicenciat en Ciències de la Informació per la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, ha desenvolupat l'activitat en diversos mitjans de comunicació de ràdio, televisió i premsa. És autor de diversos llibres, i guanyador, entre altres, d'un premi Ondas. Tres de les seues novel·les han estat els llibres més venuts a Catalunya els anys 2010, 2015 i 2017. Premi Ramon Llull 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 470 reviews
January 29, 2025
So far, no good.
I’m one of *those* reviewers. No summary of the book, no gushing over character development, no excitement about the depth of the story. For me, the nuts and bolts that go into producing a great book are as important as the author’s way with words, and the understanding between the author and the translator. You’re forewarned.
I have a problem with this book. Not with the author. With the translator. And, you are correct: I have no authority to speak of this person and her translations. She has considerably more formal education than I, and she gets paid to do translations. I’m simply a little old woman who took Spanish in high school and who needs to read. I don’t like to, I don’t love to; I need to read. It’s been my life’s blood since I read my first Nancy Drew book. It didn’t have pictures on the cover, and I think it was published in the 1930s. I’ve been reading books avidly for at least 60 years.
The problem I have may be a part of changes between education pre 1970s and today’s education. There have been changes in punctuation and grammar that I’m sure have all my English teachers spinning in their graves. So, consider that I may just a little behind on catching up. They should send out updates, no? (No. They shouldn’t change what already works!)
So here’s my gripe. The translation reads like a word-for-word literal translation. I wish I could tell you how many people told me that google translate has a very long way to go before it could actually be used to translate anything. It gives one translations that stodgy, too formal, and difficult to understand. Yes, that word in that language means [FITB]. But to a native speaker it just sounds wrong. Hey, I could be wrong! Maybe they are teaching those who translate to just translate and let the reader figure out what is being said. Uh, no. That’s being lazy. That’s not doing your job. That gave me a badly translated book that I don’t want to finish.
It isn’t very often that I put a book down and don’t bother to finish whether because of boredom, poor plot, whatever. I usually slog through and every once in a while, you find a gem. Usually the decision to finish is upheld as I finally drop the book in the garbage.
You see, time is running out for me and my beloved husband. He has dementia, I have to figure out how to take care of him. And, we’re broke so spending time and money that is not completely enjoyable isn’t on the table. And I’m noticing some brain slipping every now and again, so I need to get going so I can finish all these books, plus a few hundred that haven’t been written yet.
I’m not saying don’t read it. If you’ve read translations of books, be ready for a choppy, way too literally translated book.
I’m one of *those* reviewers. No summary of the book, no gushing over character development, no excitement about the depth of the story. For me, the nuts and bolts that go into producing a great book are as important as the author’s way with words, and the understanding between the author and the translator. You’re forewarned.
I have a problem with this book. Not with the author. With the translator. And, you are correct: I have no authority to speak of this person and her translations. She has considerably more formal education than I, and she gets paid to do translations. I’m simply a little old woman who took Spanish in high school and who needs to read. I don’t like to, I don’t love to; I need to read. It’s been my life’s blood since I read my first Nancy Drew book. It didn’t have pictures on the cover, and I think it was published in the 1930s. I’ve been reading books avidly for at least 60 years.
The problem I have may be a part of changes between education pre 1970s and today’s education. There have been changes in punctuation and grammar that I’m sure have all my English teachers spinning in their graves. So, consider that I may just a little behind on catching up. They should send out updates, no? (No. They shouldn’t change what already works!)
So here’s my gripe. The translation reads like a word-for-word literal translation. I wish I could tell you how many people told me that google translate has a very long way to go before it could actually be used to translate anything. It gives one translations that stodgy, too formal, and difficult to understand. Yes, that word in that language means [FITB]. But to a native speaker it just sounds wrong. Hey, I could be wrong! Maybe they are teaching those who translate to just translate and let the reader figure out what is being said. Uh, no. That’s being lazy. That’s not doing your job. That gave me a badly translated book that I don’t want to finish.
It isn’t very often that I put a book down and don’t bother to finish whether because of boredom, poor plot, whatever. I usually slog through and every once in a while, you find a gem. Usually the decision to finish is upheld as I finally drop the book in the garbage.
You see, time is running out for me and my beloved husband. He has dementia, I have to figure out how to take care of him. And, we’re broke so spending time and money that is not completely enjoyable isn’t on the table. And I’m noticing some brain slipping every now and again, so I need to get going so I can finish all these books, plus a few hundred that haven’t been written yet.
I’m not saying don’t read it. If you’ve read translations of books, be ready for a choppy, way too literally translated book.
December 5, 2024
What the Light Touches is Xavier Bosch's masterful exploration of how the past reaches through time to shape our present. Through interconnected narratives set in Nazi-occupied Paris and contemporary France, Bosch weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and the weight of secrets kept across generations.
The Dance of Two Timelines
The novel moves gracefully between 1940s Paris and 2008, centering on Margaux Dutronc and her granddaughter Barbara. In the historical timeline, we follow seventeen-year-old Margaux as she navigates life under German occupation, falls in love with a gifted oboist named Damien, and grapples with the consequences of appearing in a Nazi propaganda photograph. In 2008, we meet Barbara, a forty-one-year-old woman working in publishing who has fled a failed marriage to live in her grandmother's old apartment.
The parallel narratives intertwine when Roger, a mysterious photographer, arrives to stay in Barbara's spare room just as Paris is hit by a historic snowstorm. His discovery of an old photograph leads to revelations about Margaux's wartime past that will change everything.
Strengths: A Symphony of Detail and Emotion
Bosch displays remarkable talent in bringing both time periods vividly to life. His portrayal of occupied Paris is particularly striking - from the atmosphere of fear and suspicion to small details like the sound of German boots on cobblestones or the way resistance members communicate through coded messages. The author has clearly done extensive research while avoiding the trap of letting historical detail overwhelm the human story at the heart of the novel.
The contemporary sections are equally well-rendered, capturing the claustrophobic intimacy of being snowbound with a stranger and the way isolation can strip away pretenses. The development of Barbara and Roger's relationship feels organic and earned, with their initial wariness giving way to attraction and understanding.
Some of the novel's most powerful moments come through Bosch's evocation of music. Damien's oboe performances serve as both plot device and metaphor, expressing what characters cannot say aloud. The author demonstrates deep knowledge of classical music while making its emotional resonance accessible to readers unfamiliar with the technical aspects.
Notable Elements
- Rich characterization, particularly of the women at the center of the story
- Skilled integration of historical detail without overwhelming the narrative
- Effective use of parallel structure between timelines
- Beautiful prose that captures both the terror of occupation and the tenderness of new love
- Thoughtful exploration of how trauma echoes through generations
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is largely successful, there are some elements that could be stronger. The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections, particularly during extended passages about Barbara's publishing work. A few plot points rely perhaps too heavily on coincidence, though this is somewhat mitigated by the overall quality of the storytelling.
The resolution of certain storylines feels slightly rushed compared to their careful setup. In particular, the fate of some secondary characters could have been more fully explored. These are minor criticisms of what is otherwise a compelling and well-crafted novel.
Historical Context and Theme
Bosch demonstrates remarkable sensitivity in his handling of the Holocaust and French collaboration. Rather than focusing on the largest horrors, he shows how ordinary people navigated impossible choices under occupation. Through Margaux's story, we see how a single photograph could doom a family, while through Barbara we explore how such wounds persist across generations.
The novel asks profound questions about survival, loyalty, and the stories we tell ourselves about the past. It examines how people maintain their humanity under inhuman circumstances and how love can flourish even in the darkest times.
Style and Structure
The author employs a sophisticated narrative structure that mirrors the themes of memory and revelation. Chapters alternate between timelines but are carefully constructed to resonate with each other thematically. Bosch's prose style varies appropriately between the sections - more immediate and sensory in the historical chapters, more reflective in the contemporary ones.
Impact and Significance
What the Light Touches makes an important contribution to the literature of World War II by examining the occupation through an intimate, personal lens. Rather than focusing on major historical figures or events, it shows how ordinary people's lives were shaped by forces beyond their control.
The novel's exploration of intergenerational trauma and the way historical events echo through families feels particularly relevant to contemporary discussions about collective memory and responsibility.
Final Assessment
Despite minor flaws, What the Light Touches is a deeply moving exploration of love, survival, and the weight of history. Bosch has created a work that is both historically illuminating and emotionally resonant. The novel succeeds as both a compelling narrative and a meditation on how the past shapes our present.
The Dance of Two Timelines
The novel moves gracefully between 1940s Paris and 2008, centering on Margaux Dutronc and her granddaughter Barbara. In the historical timeline, we follow seventeen-year-old Margaux as she navigates life under German occupation, falls in love with a gifted oboist named Damien, and grapples with the consequences of appearing in a Nazi propaganda photograph. In 2008, we meet Barbara, a forty-one-year-old woman working in publishing who has fled a failed marriage to live in her grandmother's old apartment.
The parallel narratives intertwine when Roger, a mysterious photographer, arrives to stay in Barbara's spare room just as Paris is hit by a historic snowstorm. His discovery of an old photograph leads to revelations about Margaux's wartime past that will change everything.
Strengths: A Symphony of Detail and Emotion
Bosch displays remarkable talent in bringing both time periods vividly to life. His portrayal of occupied Paris is particularly striking - from the atmosphere of fear and suspicion to small details like the sound of German boots on cobblestones or the way resistance members communicate through coded messages. The author has clearly done extensive research while avoiding the trap of letting historical detail overwhelm the human story at the heart of the novel.
The contemporary sections are equally well-rendered, capturing the claustrophobic intimacy of being snowbound with a stranger and the way isolation can strip away pretenses. The development of Barbara and Roger's relationship feels organic and earned, with their initial wariness giving way to attraction and understanding.
Some of the novel's most powerful moments come through Bosch's evocation of music. Damien's oboe performances serve as both plot device and metaphor, expressing what characters cannot say aloud. The author demonstrates deep knowledge of classical music while making its emotional resonance accessible to readers unfamiliar with the technical aspects.
Notable Elements
- Rich characterization, particularly of the women at the center of the story
- Skilled integration of historical detail without overwhelming the narrative
- Effective use of parallel structure between timelines
- Beautiful prose that captures both the terror of occupation and the tenderness of new love
- Thoughtful exploration of how trauma echoes through generations
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is largely successful, there are some elements that could be stronger. The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections, particularly during extended passages about Barbara's publishing work. A few plot points rely perhaps too heavily on coincidence, though this is somewhat mitigated by the overall quality of the storytelling.
The resolution of certain storylines feels slightly rushed compared to their careful setup. In particular, the fate of some secondary characters could have been more fully explored. These are minor criticisms of what is otherwise a compelling and well-crafted novel.
Historical Context and Theme
Bosch demonstrates remarkable sensitivity in his handling of the Holocaust and French collaboration. Rather than focusing on the largest horrors, he shows how ordinary people navigated impossible choices under occupation. Through Margaux's story, we see how a single photograph could doom a family, while through Barbara we explore how such wounds persist across generations.
The novel asks profound questions about survival, loyalty, and the stories we tell ourselves about the past. It examines how people maintain their humanity under inhuman circumstances and how love can flourish even in the darkest times.
Style and Structure
The author employs a sophisticated narrative structure that mirrors the themes of memory and revelation. Chapters alternate between timelines but are carefully constructed to resonate with each other thematically. Bosch's prose style varies appropriately between the sections - more immediate and sensory in the historical chapters, more reflective in the contemporary ones.
Impact and Significance
What the Light Touches makes an important contribution to the literature of World War II by examining the occupation through an intimate, personal lens. Rather than focusing on major historical figures or events, it shows how ordinary people's lives were shaped by forces beyond their control.
The novel's exploration of intergenerational trauma and the way historical events echo through families feels particularly relevant to contemporary discussions about collective memory and responsibility.
Final Assessment
Despite minor flaws, What the Light Touches is a deeply moving exploration of love, survival, and the weight of history. Bosch has created a work that is both historically illuminating and emotionally resonant. The novel succeeds as both a compelling narrative and a meditation on how the past shapes our present.
December 31, 2024
I read this book on my kindle and although the first part (mainly about Barbara and Roger, the brother of her lodger) is just about readable I then became irritated: the problem, I think, is the translation . Spanish idioms and expressions seem to be literally translated without a feeling for the transfer into how this comes across in English. I found the section (about a third in the middle of the book) unreadable and extremely tedious.
I’m aware that the author scores highly and is probably a very good writer in Spanish, the story as such is interesting as is the plot, however I feel the English translation has a lot to be answered for.
I’m aware that the author scores highly and is probably a very good writer in Spanish, the story as such is interesting as is the plot, however I feel the English translation has a lot to be answered for.
September 4, 2025
What is it about WWII fiction that continues to draw so many of us in? For me, it is the chance to learn and remember, paired with the quiet hope that reading about characters’ resilience will strengthen my own. I also gravitate toward dual-timeline stories, and What the Light Touches by Xavier Bosch delivers on all of these fronts.
The Paris setting was the highlight for me. Seeing the City of Light through the eyes of a lifelong resident, both during and after the war, brought freshness to a familiar backdrop. From the hilltop streets of Montmartre to the banks of the Seine to the aging community where Mamie Margaux now lives, the novel creates a vivid sense of place. The characters are layered, even the minor ones, though not always relatable or likable. Their dialogue sometimes felt a little stiff, which I suspect may be an effect of translation, but certain dynamics stood out. Barbara’s job intrigued me, and her relationship with Mamie Margaux was especially moving and tender.
The premise of a story unfolding from a single photograph was clever and lent itself to uncovering a lesser-known aspect of WWII history. While some parts felt forced, particularly the development of Barbara and Roger’s friendship, the Occupation storyline was the strongest. The closing chapters were beautifully done, sweet and affecting in a way that stayed with me.
I would recommend What the Light Touches to fans of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy WWII novels. Approached with openness toward the quirks of translated work, it offers a poignant and worthwhile read.
The Paris setting was the highlight for me. Seeing the City of Light through the eyes of a lifelong resident, both during and after the war, brought freshness to a familiar backdrop. From the hilltop streets of Montmartre to the banks of the Seine to the aging community where Mamie Margaux now lives, the novel creates a vivid sense of place. The characters are layered, even the minor ones, though not always relatable or likable. Their dialogue sometimes felt a little stiff, which I suspect may be an effect of translation, but certain dynamics stood out. Barbara’s job intrigued me, and her relationship with Mamie Margaux was especially moving and tender.
The premise of a story unfolding from a single photograph was clever and lent itself to uncovering a lesser-known aspect of WWII history. While some parts felt forced, particularly the development of Barbara and Roger’s friendship, the Occupation storyline was the strongest. The closing chapters were beautifully done, sweet and affecting in a way that stayed with me.
I would recommend What the Light Touches to fans of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy WWII novels. Approached with openness toward the quirks of translated work, it offers a poignant and worthwhile read.
July 22, 2023
M'ha costat una mica entrar-hi, però a partir de la trama del passat s'ha fet més interessant.
February 24, 2025
A Dimly Lit Disappointment
Xavier Bosch’s What the Light Touches explores love and regret across time but struggles with execution. Despite its promising premise, the novel suffers from disjointed storytelling, inconsistent character development, and a lack of immersive description.
Barbara’s character is particularly problematic. Portrayed as independent and logical, she often reacts with exaggerated sensitivity, making her behavior feel inconsistent. Her hysteria over Roger’s friend Laurence’s visit is excessive, considering her role as a landlord. The translation may contribute to some confusion, but her emotional disconnect remains unconvincing.
The dialogue between Barbara and Roger is frequently unclear, with long, run-on sentences making it difficult to track who is speaking. Additionally, the decision to introduce Barbara’s grandparents’ story in chapter 20 is jarring and disrupts narrative cohesion. The lack of logical build-up makes it hard for the reader to invest emotionally in their story.
A particularly frustrating moment occurs when a policeman stops Barbara and Roger to check their IDs. Roger, exercising reasonable caution and asking for the officer’s credentials, is unfairly framed as disruptive. His response is even-tempered and pragmatic, making Barbara’s reaction—suggesting this incident changes her view of him—feel entirely out of character for the rational, self-sufficient woman the book initially portrays her as.
Barbara's dishonesty about her whereabouts after a business dinner was a turning point that made her character irredeemable. She openly stated she had no one waiting for her at home, despite having already slept with Roger, which suggests a deeper emotional connection. Her continued deception and shifting attitude toward Roger—at times possessive, at others indifferent—makes her appear petty and bitter, no better than her ex-husband. By the end, I was hoping Roger would leave her, as she was completely undeserving of his devotion, especially his dedication of his photography debut to her grandmother.
Bosch’s depiction of Paris is lackluster, relying on street names, building names, and arrondissement numbers rather than rich descriptions. This approach assumes familiarity with the city, making it difficult for readers unfamiliar with Paris to visualize the setting. Meanwhile, excessive pages are dedicated to letters between Damien and 17-year-old Margaux, as well as Margaux’s letter to herself—both of which feel entirely unnecessary and detract from the main story.
Ultimately, What the Light Touches had potential but is weighed down by inconsistent characters, weak structure, and missed opportunities for depth. While some may appreciate Bosch’s prose, the novel remains frustratingly uneven, difficult to engage with, and often lacking in narrative cohesion.
Xavier Bosch’s What the Light Touches explores love and regret across time but struggles with execution. Despite its promising premise, the novel suffers from disjointed storytelling, inconsistent character development, and a lack of immersive description.
Barbara’s character is particularly problematic. Portrayed as independent and logical, she often reacts with exaggerated sensitivity, making her behavior feel inconsistent. Her hysteria over Roger’s friend Laurence’s visit is excessive, considering her role as a landlord. The translation may contribute to some confusion, but her emotional disconnect remains unconvincing.
The dialogue between Barbara and Roger is frequently unclear, with long, run-on sentences making it difficult to track who is speaking. Additionally, the decision to introduce Barbara’s grandparents’ story in chapter 20 is jarring and disrupts narrative cohesion. The lack of logical build-up makes it hard for the reader to invest emotionally in their story.
A particularly frustrating moment occurs when a policeman stops Barbara and Roger to check their IDs. Roger, exercising reasonable caution and asking for the officer’s credentials, is unfairly framed as disruptive. His response is even-tempered and pragmatic, making Barbara’s reaction—suggesting this incident changes her view of him—feel entirely out of character for the rational, self-sufficient woman the book initially portrays her as.
Barbara's dishonesty about her whereabouts after a business dinner was a turning point that made her character irredeemable. She openly stated she had no one waiting for her at home, despite having already slept with Roger, which suggests a deeper emotional connection. Her continued deception and shifting attitude toward Roger—at times possessive, at others indifferent—makes her appear petty and bitter, no better than her ex-husband. By the end, I was hoping Roger would leave her, as she was completely undeserving of his devotion, especially his dedication of his photography debut to her grandmother.
Bosch’s depiction of Paris is lackluster, relying on street names, building names, and arrondissement numbers rather than rich descriptions. This approach assumes familiarity with the city, making it difficult for readers unfamiliar with Paris to visualize the setting. Meanwhile, excessive pages are dedicated to letters between Damien and 17-year-old Margaux, as well as Margaux’s letter to herself—both of which feel entirely unnecessary and detract from the main story.
Ultimately, What the Light Touches had potential but is weighed down by inconsistent characters, weak structure, and missed opportunities for depth. While some may appreciate Bosch’s prose, the novel remains frustratingly uneven, difficult to engage with, and often lacking in narrative cohesion.
April 20, 2023
He llegit aquest llibre als descansos de la feina, mentre feia el dinar a la cuina, durant els meus matins lliures estirada al sofà i als bancs del passeig de les Palmeres. He estat immersa en la història de la mamie, la Barbara i el Roger, però també en la del Damien, el Mhandit i el Jasper. He plorat, he sentit ràbia, impotència, tendresa i felicitat. Sempre que llegeixo al Xavier Bosch aquest n’és el resultat i amb 32 de març no podia ser d’una altra manera. Al meu quadern de bitàcola s’hi queda un trosset de cada personatge, de la banda sonora de les 568 pàgines, de la història que ha viscut París al llarg dels anys i de l’amor, perquè la capital de França serà la ciutat de la llum, però també és la dels enamorats.
December 11, 2024
something lost in translation ?
I was caught up in the story at first, but soon found the writing, while beautiful, to be repetitive. I began to skim over large parts of the book.
I found the characters to be unlikable in many ways and very selfish. There are times that the story was disjointed and hard to follow.
I was caught up in the story at first, but soon found the writing, while beautiful, to be repetitive. I began to skim over large parts of the book.
I found the characters to be unlikable in many ways and very selfish. There are times that the story was disjointed and hard to follow.
December 29, 2024
I struggled through about half of this book and loved the other half. Mamie’s story was intriguing and the reason I finished the book. But it was a struggle to get through Barbara and Roger in the first part of the book.
June 19, 2023
Les dues històries d'amor que es relaten son maquissimes però la millor relació és d'àvia i neta.
December 27, 2024
This book has promise but failed to execute. The crux of the problem wasn’t fully fleshed out as to how it impacted the characters. Because of that, the big confrontation at the end comes off as forced. I also found the character’s personalities to be inconsistent. This was particularly evident in the dialogue in the final section.
February 13, 2025
This story was boring and anticlimactic. And the characters were not likable. Maybe something was lost in translation, but I did not see how that photo really had that much impact on anyone’s life. It caused one small incident for her mother and that’s about it. No one got turned in as a collaborator. Nobody got arrested because of it. Nothing major happened so what was the big deal?
July 3, 2025
uf, simplement fantàstic. Li posaria un 4,5 perquè em falten detalls!!! però aquest home té una manera d’escriure que tan se val quants me’n doni, sempre en voldré més i guess
“L’arbre és la humanitat i nosaltres som una de les fulles. I ballem pel vent i necessitem les altres fulles per viure i ens aguantem per la quietud.”
“L’arbre és la humanitat i nosaltres som una de les fulles. I ballem pel vent i necessitem les altres fulles per viure i ens aguantem per la quietud.”
December 7, 2024
This is such a beautiful novel. Lyrical and moving. I've not read many books that I've enjoyed more.
It is the story of a teenager during the German occupation of Paris during WWII, and what it means to be a survivor.
If that sounds sad, it's not. It's a very uplifting novel, to read how someone can live through such a horrid time in human existence, and not lose the ability to love and express joy.
Her granddaughter and border are supporting characters, but their story is also very touching. How not to judge a book by it's cover, and the story of their love developing while confined in an apartment by an epic snowstorm is beautifully told as well.
Thank you to Amazon Prime First Reads program for including this novel, translated from Catalan.
It is the story of a teenager during the German occupation of Paris during WWII, and what it means to be a survivor.
If that sounds sad, it's not. It's a very uplifting novel, to read how someone can live through such a horrid time in human existence, and not lose the ability to love and express joy.
Her granddaughter and border are supporting characters, but their story is also very touching. How not to judge a book by it's cover, and the story of their love developing while confined in an apartment by an epic snowstorm is beautifully told as well.
Thank you to Amazon Prime First Reads program for including this novel, translated from Catalan.
February 18, 2025
As a reader with decades of life experience, What the Light Touches resonated deeply with me, not just as a historical novel but as a reflection on how the past continues to shape us. Xavier Bosch masterfully weaves two timelines—the war-torn 1940s and the modern era—creating a story that feels both intimate and expansive.
Margaux’s journey through occupied Paris is particularly gripping, showcasing the quiet strength and resilience of those who lived through unimaginable times. Meanwhile, Barbara’s modern-day discoveries add depth, reminding us that uncovering family history can be as transformative as living it. Bosch’s prose is rich, and while the pacing occasionally slows in the contemporary sections, the emotional payoff makes it worthwhile.
Margaux’s journey through occupied Paris is particularly gripping, showcasing the quiet strength and resilience of those who lived through unimaginable times. Meanwhile, Barbara’s modern-day discoveries add depth, reminding us that uncovering family history can be as transformative as living it. Bosch’s prose is rich, and while the pacing occasionally slows in the contemporary sections, the emotional payoff makes it worthwhile.
February 18, 2024
He dubtat molt, al valorar aquest llibre. Perquè si bé és cert que els personatges són bastant plans i la trama és coneguda, la forma de narrar tant emotiva m'ha embolcallat. També reconec que li trauria unes quantes pàgines que es fan una mica empegaloses, però el final i alguna frase que deixa anar bé valen les 4 estrelles.
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He dudado mucho, al valorar este libro. Porque por un lado los personajes son bastante planos y la historia es conocida, la forma de narrar tan emotiva me ha arropado en la lectura. También reconozco que le quitaría unas cuantas páginas demasiado empalagosas, pero el final y alguna frase que suelta bien valen 4 estrellas.
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He dudado mucho, al valorar este libro. Porque por un lado los personajes son bastante planos y la historia es conocida, la forma de narrar tan emotiva me ha arropado en la lectura. También reconozco que le quitaría unas cuantas páginas demasiado empalagosas, pero el final y alguna frase que suelta bien valen 4 estrellas.
April 19, 2023
És una història d'amor molt bonica i alhora una gran denúncia de la vida durant la II Guerra mundial al Paris dels anys 40. Deixa damunt la taula la gent que va treballar pel règim mazi i quan van marxar els alemanys de França van voler continuar fent vida normal, però a França li van aplicar un "judici politic" perquè quedés constància.
Com sempre, m'agrada el ric vocabulari de Xavier bosch i en especial el gran repertori de dites i frases fetes.
El llibre es divideix en tres parts lligades on el protagonista de cada part és diferent.
Com sempre, m'agrada el ric vocabulari de Xavier bosch i en especial el gran repertori de dites i frases fetes.
El llibre es divideix en tres parts lligades on el protagonista de cada part és diferent.
April 1, 2023
Meravellós. Llegir a Xavier Bosch és sinònim de tendresa, precisió i emoció. Molt recomanable, et trasllada a la magnífica Paris, i et fa viure diferents històries que et deixen un regust indescriptible.
January 17, 2025
There were elements that make a good story, but it felt long and dragged out and I was bored reading it. I understand the importance of doing a direct translation but I really didn’t like people being called “man” “woman” “girl” “boy” it didn’t feel right in context and made me dislike it more.
April 18, 2025
Una gran història!!
October 23, 2025
No crec que hagués comprat aquest llibre, però me'l vaig trobar a un contenidor i no el podia deixar allà. Una història fresca i bona de llegir.
April 2, 2025
I love historical fiction and this one did not disappoint. This is a dual timeline novel. My only complaint is that I wanted more Margaux! She was the star of the book and such an interesting character!. The narrator did a great job!
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a review of the audiobook.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a review of the audiobook.
January 10, 2025
It’s a beautifully crafted piece, I did find it a tad slow in spots, but it had a very satisfying conclusion.
January 12, 2025
It took me a little while to get into a flow with this book. This might be partly due to the fact that it was originally written in Spanish and then translated to English. It also took a while to get to know the main characters. It wasn't until the story went back in time to when the grandmother was a teenager in Paris during WWII that it really grabbed my attention. The insight into what it was like to navigate that time of German occupation and the impact a simple action or decision has was really interesting. However, I found the character development to be lacking - especially with Barbara and Roger.
December 20, 2024
The first half was just boring. I didn’t connect with the characters. The second half was more interesting with the story of Barbara’s grandmother.
October 1, 2023
És un d’aquells llibres que costen de creure d’entrada: els personatges semblen de cartró, les converses no semblen creïbles i, fins i tot el que fan ho trobem agafat pels péls. És com si l’autor s’hagués de fer encara amb els personatges i els va construint a mesura que avancen per una trama que, això sí, està mil·limètricament pensada. Tanmateix, segons avancem, ja no ens semblen tan artificials i ens els acabem creient perquè, finalment, els descobrim de carn i ossos.
Hi ha dues històries principals i, per mi, la més interessant, de llarg, és la que transcorre durant la Segona Guerra Mundial, al París ocupat. Aquí és on tinc la sensació que l’autor disfruta de debò, i ens fa gaudir de cada frase i de cada situació.
En definitiva, crec que és una novel·la una mica irregular, amb grans passatges que descobrim bocabadats entre altres capítols no tan brillants. Es deixa llegir i passa molt bé, o sigui que la recomanaria sense dubtar-ho. No és una obra mestra, certament, però segur que ens acaba enganxant.
Hi ha dues històries principals i, per mi, la més interessant, de llarg, és la que transcorre durant la Segona Guerra Mundial, al París ocupat. Aquí és on tinc la sensació que l’autor disfruta de debò, i ens fa gaudir de cada frase i de cada situació.
En definitiva, crec que és una novel·la una mica irregular, amb grans passatges que descobrim bocabadats entre altres capítols no tan brillants. Es deixa llegir i passa molt bé, o sigui que la recomanaria sense dubtar-ho. No és una obra mestra, certament, però segur que ens acaba enganxant.
November 7, 2025
Primer llibre que llegeixo d'aquest autor i no m'ha decebut.
D'entrada, em sembla molt bé documentat. les referències em semblen elaborades i ben estructurades. El lèxic és ric i variat tot i que alguns dels diàlegs em semblen una mica artificiosos.
El canvi temporal de l'acció se'm queda fluix en algun moment i d'aquí les 4 estrelles i no les 5.
En definitiva, molt recomanable.
D'entrada, em sembla molt bé documentat. les referències em semblen elaborades i ben estructurades. El lèxic és ric i variat tot i que alguns dels diàlegs em semblen una mica artificiosos.
El canvi temporal de l'acció se'm queda fluix en algun moment i d'aquí les 4 estrelles i no les 5.
En definitiva, molt recomanable.
February 28, 2025
If you must read it, skim it. This is a book with far too much minutiae, in my opinion, lots of storylines going nowhere. I don’t mind excessive imagery, if the prose is beautiful. This is not. Perhaps that was due to bad translation to English? Perhaps this is a book for lovers of Paris and the exhausting Paris descriptive landscapes were intended for those readers.
Not for me.
Not for me.
Read
March 3, 2025DNF at 20% just wasn’t interesting enough to hold my attention
June 27, 2025
Margaux once lived a bold life in German-occupied Paris, but everything changed the day a single photo landed her in Nazi propaganda. Her lover was arrested. Her family’s reputation shattered. Decades later, in 2008, Margaux is in a retirement home, and her granddaughter Barbara is left behind in their old apartment, renting out a room to stay afloat and escape her own messy reality.
Enter Roger, a photographer with more curiosity than social grace, who shows up uninvited on Barbara’s couch and brings a storm of questions with him. When a snowstorm locks them inside, long-buried family secrets start surfacing, forcing Barbara to reckon with the past she didn’t know she inherited. Told across two timelines, What the Light Touches explores war, memory, and the strange ways strangers sometimes bring us home.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
Let’s just say it — the first chunk of this book was tough to get through. Barbara and Roger’s story dragged, and I started to wonder if this was going to be one of those “it gets better, I swear” books. Spoiler: it did. Once Margaux entered the picture, I was pulled in. Her voice had the weight, the intrigue, and the emotional depth that kept me listening.
This one has multiple timelines and a wide cast, so it takes a bit of mental bandwidth, but it’s worth it if you like historical fiction that leans into family connections and hidden truths. It’s also clearly a translated work, and I think some of the bumps in rhythm and tone probably come from that. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it definitely made some of the early dialogue feel stilted and a bit of a struggle to get through. Still, the grandmother-granddaughter relationship really stood out, warm, rich, and believable without being overly sentimental. Thank you to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC and the opportunity to provide this candid review.
The Vibes It Brings:
📚 Dual timelines across generations
🕰️ WWII-era backdrop
👩👧 Grandmother-granddaughter connection
🌍 Cross-cultural themes
🔍 Family secrets
🇫🇷 Resistance-era Europe
🧠 Requires patience, pays off
📖 Translation quirks
🧩 Woven perspectives
Narration:
Caroline Hewitt handled the emotional layering well and made the characters feel distinct. Her delivery fit the tone of the book and added just enough gravity to make you lean in. That said, the accent situation had me scratching my head. There were moments where the American accent would slip into something else and then back again, which was distracting. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did pull me out of the story a few times. Whether that was a choice or a production direction, I couldn’t say, but it could have been tighter.
TL;DR:
What the Light Touches is a thoughtful, layered novel that rewards patience. It starts slow but finds its strength in Margaux’s journey and the emotional ties between past and present. Historical fiction fans who enjoy multi-generational stories with real emotional payoff should give this one a shot. Just be prepared to push through the rocky start.
Enter Roger, a photographer with more curiosity than social grace, who shows up uninvited on Barbara’s couch and brings a storm of questions with him. When a snowstorm locks them inside, long-buried family secrets start surfacing, forcing Barbara to reckon with the past she didn’t know she inherited. Told across two timelines, What the Light Touches explores war, memory, and the strange ways strangers sometimes bring us home.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
Let’s just say it — the first chunk of this book was tough to get through. Barbara and Roger’s story dragged, and I started to wonder if this was going to be one of those “it gets better, I swear” books. Spoiler: it did. Once Margaux entered the picture, I was pulled in. Her voice had the weight, the intrigue, and the emotional depth that kept me listening.
This one has multiple timelines and a wide cast, so it takes a bit of mental bandwidth, but it’s worth it if you like historical fiction that leans into family connections and hidden truths. It’s also clearly a translated work, and I think some of the bumps in rhythm and tone probably come from that. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it definitely made some of the early dialogue feel stilted and a bit of a struggle to get through. Still, the grandmother-granddaughter relationship really stood out, warm, rich, and believable without being overly sentimental. Thank you to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC and the opportunity to provide this candid review.
The Vibes It Brings:
📚 Dual timelines across generations
🕰️ WWII-era backdrop
👩👧 Grandmother-granddaughter connection
🌍 Cross-cultural themes
🔍 Family secrets
🇫🇷 Resistance-era Europe
🧠 Requires patience, pays off
📖 Translation quirks
🧩 Woven perspectives
Narration:
Caroline Hewitt handled the emotional layering well and made the characters feel distinct. Her delivery fit the tone of the book and added just enough gravity to make you lean in. That said, the accent situation had me scratching my head. There were moments where the American accent would slip into something else and then back again, which was distracting. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did pull me out of the story a few times. Whether that was a choice or a production direction, I couldn’t say, but it could have been tighter.
TL;DR:
What the Light Touches is a thoughtful, layered novel that rewards patience. It starts slow but finds its strength in Margaux’s journey and the emotional ties between past and present. Historical fiction fans who enjoy multi-generational stories with real emotional payoff should give this one a shot. Just be prepared to push through the rocky start.
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