Sidekick to All the Light We Cannot See: by Anthony Doerr

by Dave Eagle

Please note: This is not the book by Anthony Doerr.

All the Light We Cannot See: by Anthony Doerr -- Sidekick to the Novel

Can’t get enough of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See? Immerse yourself in his world and discover hidden treasures with this Sidekick.

Warning: This is an independent companion to All the Light We Cannot See, meant to enhance your experience of the novel. If you have not yet bought All the Light We Cannot See , make sure to purchase it before buying this unofficial Sidekick.

Blind since early childhood, Marie-Laure is only twelve years old when she is forced to flee her home as the Nazis occupy France. Werner, a German orphan, has a talent for fixing radios—a talent that the Nazi government is all too eager to embrace. As Doerr sweeps us forward, backward, and forward again in time, the lives of these two individuals weave together, intersecting at the bombing of Saint-Malo.

With this Sidekick, you’ll:

• Discover some of the novel’s fascinating hidden gems

• Spend some more time with the characters you’ve come to know and love

• Learn what you might have missed on your first read of All the Light We Cannot See

• Explore a possible alternate ending and imagine ideas for a sequel

• Get a chance to discuss the book with other readers on our Facebook forum

Sidekicks are entertaining and insightful reading companions, filled with delightful commentary and thought-provoking questions. Readers have raved that Dave Eagle’s Sidekicks "really put you in touch with the many layers of the novel," "keep you entertained even longer," and are "perfect if you want a vivid understanding of the story." Designed to be read side by side with the novels they complement, they’ll give you even more reasons to love some of today’s best books.

Genres: Historical Fiction

51 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the chance to read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr -- Sidekick to the Novel by Dave Eagle in exchange for an honest review.
First, as noted in the beginning of the book, this is not a standalone book. It is meant t be read along with the reading of All the Light We Cannot See . The first couple sections of the book are meant to be read along with the book, while the final sections and Final Analysis is meant to be read after All the Light We Cannot See .

The Chapter Reviews were well written, for the most part. There were a few moments I though Dave may have missed the mark, but I'm always eager to read another person's perspective. I found his explanation of Part Zero very helpful.

Mark didn't offer many ideas for alternate endings, but I did like the endings he suggested. I always find the possibility for alternate endings interesting, whether they are sequels or prequels.

The only subject stopping this book from receiving five stars is the Character Analysis. The heading states its for Werner, Jutta and Volkheimer. Mark focuses the whole section on Werner and how well the others may or may not know him. In my opinion he should have mentioned a little more about Marie-Laure or delved further into the motivations of Volkheimer.

I do think this Sidekick would be a good addition to reading with and follow reading All the Light We Cannot See . I give this book four stars.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book but didn't love it (not sure exactly why). Really enjoyed the characters and the unexpected plot.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marie-Laure is a blind girl who lives in Paris with her father, a locksmith for the Museum of Natural History. Her mother has died so he takes her to work with him every day where she learns many interesting things from some of the scientists. Her father makes a miniature replica of their neighborhood so she can learn to walk around independently. When the Nazis occupy Paris, she and her father flee to Saint-Malo where her great uncle lives a reclusive life.
Werner is an orphan living in a German coal mining town. He develops the skill of repairing and building radios. His talent leads him to a school which provides brutal training for Hitler Youth. He is sent to the battlefield in several countries and eventually is stationed in Saint-Malo where his life converges with Marie-Laure.
The horror and deprivations of World War II, the courage and strength of individuals as they dare to risk their lives, and the grasping of an opportunity to save another person’s life culminate in the story. It was a gripping novel that I found difficult to set aside.

[Marji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, great story

[Noor Saadeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the year! Just re-read it!

[Rhonda Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book--the language of his writing is poetic and made me savor so many beautiful sentences. The format between the two main characters kept me going--I hated when one left off, but was ready to see what was happening to the other. One of my all-time favorites, for sure.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #13 of the EBN challenge at my Library.
Challenge Topic: A book under 200 pages.

Not the greatest. It restated what had been read in the book and pointed out things that may have been missed.

[Stacey Herriott]

I know this was a good book but had a hard time continuing with it because it felt slow to me.
Upon reflection, I see the beauty in the story and would like to reread

[matthew m mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling format. Holocaust light. I’ll be reading more from this author

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sidekick to the novel All the Light We Cannot See was great just like the previous ones I've read. In high school, I read a lot of Cliffs Notes like others from my generation but I find these sidekicks more helpful than those ever were. The introduction gave a little inside into Anthony Doerr who I wasn't previously familiar with. It also explained how the sidekick is created to be used with the book. In the next section it is explained how the book is told from two different points of view on World War II, one being French and the other German. Then comes the plot summary and analysis which is easily my favorite part. I like to read a section of the book and then go back to this sidekick and read the corresponding plot summary and analysis. Alternate ending section is also my favorite section. I really wanted a happy ending for both of them whether it was for them to end up together (which I really hoped would happen) or if they would go their separate ways but each experience a new life full of possibilities and happiness so I was a little let down. Themes and symbols always makes me think because I wasn't ever really good at picking up on those. I didn't get the Etienne and Captain Nemo connection but then again I read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea decades ago. Character analysis section I could take or leave. The suggestions for other reading is always good too since I'm always looking for something else to read. I disagree with not being able to make a sequel. It could be years down the road and have their paths cross and they actually end up together this time. In summary a well written sidekick.

[Lollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Better Understanding

I had a lot of difficulty getting into All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr until I read the Sidekick by Dave Eagle. This usually isn't my type of story but having Dave's version made Doerr's more understandable.
I really liked how Dave explained the back and forth in the book and why he chose that method. Knowing it is an unconventional choice made me respect Doerr just a bit more. Learning about the different ways an author can write a book is interesting. Dave explains what an author must go through when making such a decision.
Although the characters in Doerr's book were real enough, Dave's Sidekick brings them to life by delving deeper into their personalities and lives. He paints a vivid picture of human emotions.
If you're like me and need help understanding Doerr's book or you just want more detailed information, Dave's Sidekick To All the Light We Cannot See is your perfect companion.

[Eileen Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a bookclub book and I had started it a few months ago then never finished it. Forced myself to finish it but I honestly did not love the book even though the writing was excellent. The historical fiction story was set right before and during WWII and was about a teenage girl, Marie-Laure, who lost her sight. She was the daughter of the locksmith at the History Museum in Paris. I enjoyed the beginning part of the book when the treasures in the museum were described. Then they must flee France and end up in Germany where Marie-Laure begins her relationship with a German orphan named Werner. His background and interest in math was interesting. Perhaps those that enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book more than I did.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was reading this on my Kindle. I had trouble with the organization. The beginning of each chapter gave a date and they were jumbled so it took me a long time to figure it out. I would say the forsy 2/3 of the book did not hold my attention but the last third was great. It is a war story as experienced by children and how they progressed. We had good discussions about the book, but mostly agreed that it was a hard book to get into.

[Marian Baldy · Rating 4 out of 5]

pick of the litter

This is by far the best of the three short books Amazon offers to accompany Anthony Doerr's "all the light we cannot see." Perhaps it is not a coincidence that this is the only one of the three whose author is identified. The plot summary is good as are these analytical points and other ideas about the book. This one is worth the investment.

[Lynn Wyvill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I savoured this story, reading it slowly so it lasted as long as possible. Beautiful prose. Two well developed characters with plenty of supporting cast. I felt the end was rather stretched. I didn't need the updates and reconnections to understand how near we all are in this universe. It was enough to know the music had been shared as the grandfather wished it to be.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

The novel was superb. Sadly, the Sidekick was not.

In the novel, two elements, or puzzle pieces, were unresolved, so I purchased the Sidekick, hoping to find the resolutions. They were not there, so I feel I wasted my money. I could have enjoyed the novel just as much without the Sidekick.

[Sher Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book of 2014. Anthony Doerr's writing is filled with spellbinding, beautifully phrased sentences and descriptions. His characters are original and believable and the plot of his story fascinates one who is interested in facets about WWII beyond that commonly known. I cannot say enough about this book and the joy I had reading it.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes books that jump from different perspectives back and forth are hard to follow but that is not the case of this book. I really enjoyed the different perspectives and the conflict that each character faces.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long blind girl radio boy big soldier small bird man.

[Teiko Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. as sad as the story is it so uplifting, the many expressions of love.

[Carol Barry]

Egg and Spoon

[Sara Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the very short chapters, easier to put down late at night.
Thank you Courtney for sharing. Finished it sitting in the sun
crying this afternoon!

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, but just too long in my opinion. Loved the wrap up at the end.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it dragged a bit in the middle but an interesting story.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. A little different perspective than other WW2 books; blind character interesting. Well written.

[Erin Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent work of historical fiction! It's definitely not a "get lost in the story" or mindless read. However, it is beautifully written. Read it when you've really got time to devote to it.

[Ktnace · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book
started reading April
2015

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow to start but solid, historical book with interesting character development. I wish the end had been wrapped up a little better.

[Amy Glynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start, abrupt end, painful subject, artful writing with blind character. Now I need to read something funny.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent,breaking up of time and persons, was somewhat confusing.