In this novel, the two main characters’- Marie-Laure Leblanc and Werner Pfennig- stories are followed until they intersect in Saint-Malo, in August of 1944.
Marie-Laure is blind, and she lives with her father who works at a National History museum. In this museum, lies a priceless diamond named the Sea of Flames which has myths about curses and granted immortality to the possesor of the stone. Once the German invasion takes place in Paris where Marie-Laure and her father live, her father along with three other men carry four stones, one of which is the Sea of Flames and the other three replicas. None of the men know which is the real one and guard them with their life.
On the other hand, Werner grows up at an orphanage with his sister Jutta. Werner excels in math, science, and anything to do with radios. Once his talent is recognized by Nazi officials, he is pulled into a posh school to serve the Fuhrer with his skills. His sister urges him not to fall into line with their ideologies but he finds himself doing so along the way. Once he is recruited to go on a mission in Saint-Malo, he crosses paths with Marie-Laure and von Rumpel, a man with cancer who desires possession of the stone to cure himself.
This book is incredibly-well written. It is hard to believe that the author was not there to experience World War II himself because it was depicted so realistically that it is easy for the reader to feel as if they are there themselves. The strong-willed characters were inspiring and allowed the reader to have someone to root for. This is what allowed one to follow the story with such intrigue and be kept on their toes. Additionally, the theme of war throughout the book played a large role in shaping the characters’ thoughts, feelings, actions, and trauma. It was interesting to see how everything played out and how the war actually affected people in real life.
This book is a tougher read than an average novel and is not as lightweight as most. I would recommend this book to readers age 15 and up and to for those who are up for a challenging read. I would also recommend this book to readers who have an interest in history.