Book Review: All the Lights Above Us: Inspired by the women of D-Day by M. B. Henry

I’ve had this book on my e-reader for quite some time, and I even wrote a review for it back in 2021. However, I recently realized that I forgot to publish it on my blog. I only discovered this oversight when I was reviewing my drafts. My apologies to M.B. Henry, sorry for the very long delay.

The story of All The Lights Above Us unfolds in the days leading up to D-Day, told through the perspectives of five different women. Mildred, a renowned radio personality in Berlin, shares her experiences. Theda, a 26-year-old nurse with the Voluntary Aid Detachment in Portsmouth, England, seeks independence above all else. Adelaide, residing in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, is a devoted mother on a desperate search for her daughter and granddaughter amidst the chaos of war. In Caen, France, occupied by Germans, Flora works as a messenger for the Resistance. Meanwhile, Emilia, also in Caen, works as a German typist for the highest Gestapo/intelligence office, navigating the complexities of her role.

I adored the characters in this book! Each of them possessed distinct personalities, complete with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, I found them relatable because they grappled with choices that resonated with the things we are facing today.

While I appreciated the various viewpoints on the pivotal day of WWII, I found the storytelling execution to be a hindrance to my full enjoyment. Five different points of view proved challenging, especially as only Flora and Emilia’s narratives intersected, essentially presenting five distinct storylines. Some plotlines captured my interest more than others. Nonetheless, I got some valuable insights from the book and am in awe of the resilience demonstrated by these women amid their harrowing experiences.

At the end of the book, it lists real events and people mentioned in the story. Overall, I really recommend this book. The writing is great, easy to read, and creates vivid pictures, making it a fascinating read, especially for people who like historical fiction.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published May 10th 2022 by Alcove Press