The Netflix miniseries is based on a beloved bestselling war novel, and viewers have praised the four-part drama for its ‘beautiful’ and ‘moving’ storyline

This miniseries draws from a beloved war novel that was so successful upon its release, it remained on The New York Times Best Seller list for more than 200 weeks.

Originally published in 2014, Anthony Doerr’s wartime tale swiftly won over readers with its story of two teenagers whose paths cross under extraordinary circumstances during the Second World War.

All the Light We Cannot See has since become a firm favourite amongst readers as a novel alternating between the viewpoints of two people on opposing sides of the conflict. At its core lies a profound sense of hope and humanity, which readers desperately hoped would translate successfully to its adaptation.

The book was brought to screen in 2023 as a miniseries for Netflix, retaining its original title. The production features Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie in what has been described as a “beautiful” four-episode story.

After viewing it, one audience member posted on review platform Rotten Tomatoes, describing it as “One of the most amazing war-related TV shows out there.”

They added: “I wish more people knew of it. It has a beautiful, moving storyline, wonderful actors portraying strong and thoughtful characters. The atmosphere of war, the dressing, and the music set the right mood for the viewer to enjoy.”

The fictional tale follows the stories of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a young German soldier. Their lives intersect in occupied France during the war, with Werner, conscripted into the Nazi forces as a teenager, assigned to assist with radio repairs for their communications network.

Meanwhile, the young woman aids her father in escaping Paris with a precious and valuable diamond to prevent it falling into Nazi hands. Consequently, she becomes the target of a merciless SS officer intent on seizing the jewel, leaving Werner facing a choice between protecting her or maintaining his role on the opposing side.

Many devotees of the book approached the series with trepidation, hoping it would remain faithful to the beloved story. One viewer found themselves pleasantly surprised, sharing in their review how they had anticipated disappointment from the adaptation.

They wrote on IMDb: “The book ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ has – for me personally – been one of the best within the last years. I was expecting that Netflix would ruin it. But after watching all 4 episodes I must say that didn’t.”

Another review says: “After reading the excellent book, my wife and I were captivated by the series. Quite a view into the human spirits during WWII.”

However, not everyone feels the series matches the book’s achievements, with some criticism directed at it for straying from the source material. Others take a different view, and plenty of viewers who haven’t yet read the novel have thoroughly enjoyed the programme regardless.

One viewer said: “I’m so thankful I watched this before I saw the critics’ reviews. What a beautiful, emotional & intense miniseries. I really enjoyed it very much. “.

TV fans can watch all four episodes of All the Light We Cannot See now, exclusively on Netflix.