What is it about WWII fiction that continues to draw so many of us in? For me, it’s 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.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓- The Paris setting shone brightest for me, even if the story didn’t always match its glow.
