The book that helped inspire Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot SeeAn updated edition of this classic World War II memoir; chosen as one of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century; with a new photo insert and restored passages from the original French editionWhen Jacques Lusseyran was an eight-year-old Parisian schoolboy; he was blinded in an accident. He finished his schooling determined to participate in the world around him. In 1941; when he was seventeen; that world was Nazi-occupied France. Lusseyran formed a resistance group with fifty-two boys and used his heightened senses to recruit the best. Eventually; Lusseyran was arrested and sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp in a transport of two thousand resistance fighters. He was one of only thirty from the transport to survive. His gripping story is one of the most powerful and insightful descriptions of living and thriving with blindness; or indeed any challenge; ever published.
#1029495 in Books 2016-04-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x 1.10 x 6.50l; .0 #File Name: 1605989762368 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. What an adventure!By P. MurschWas our country’s bicentennial really 40 years ago? Of all the diverse celebrations during that year; this book by Lorraine Boissoneault is a chronicle of one of the major undertakings – a re-enactment of LaSalle’s journey of exploration from Montreal; through the Great Lakes and the Midwest; and down the Mississippi to New Orleans; enabling him to claim a vast region for France. The author tells not only of the careful preparations made for authenticity but also the day to day routine of paddling and camping without modern equipment; including interesting details such as starting cook fires with a flint. The areas traveled as well as the hardships and dangers are clearly told; as well as the carefully researched parallel journey and historical context of the original trip. The photographs; showing the canoes; the handmade tools; muskets; clothes and moccasins were a great addition. The only thing missing was a modern map of the areas covered. It was a fascinating adventure story; a highly recommended read for any “arm chair voyageur†or lover of history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A captivating account of a great adventureBy Polly B.This captivating account of a great adventure by Lorraine Boissoneault is well written and well researched. The expedition of the young men was quite an accomplishment and Ms. Boissoneault's description of their hardships and triumphs makes for an entertaining read. The parallels and comparisons with the original La Salle expedition provide insight to the life of explorers in the 1600's. As a child of the 70's; the interesting tidbits on American culture brought back some great memories. I especially liked the descriptions of the canoe trip through Georgian Bay. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys stories of adventure; history or outdoor life.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating story of 2 voyagesBy CustomerI didn't know much about the history of La Salle or really about any kind of historic explorer voyages and by the end of the book; I felt as though I had intimate knowledge of the conditions; the struggles; the triumphs the men must have experienced. The story of the students recreating this journey in the 1970s was so relatable and yet seemed far removed from present day (I feel like not many parents would let their sons get involved in such a dangerous venture these days!) Overall; a fascinating read!
