One of my favorite genres has always been Historical Fiction, and I say without any reservation whatsoever that this book is one of the best WWII Historical Fiction (and, to be honest, just one of the best books) I've read in the entirety of my life. 
 Anthony Doerr has a way with words that has the ability to undo a person - it's just that good. His descriptions and the style in which he chose to write this novel (short chapters, quick snappy sentences) create this atmosphere of taut apprehension throughout the entire story, and it is so much the better for it. 
 Both of the main characters are remarkable in their own ways, and watching them grow up into the world during the desperate times that they did was so interesting. I loved that Doerr chose to use the viewpoints of a Frenchgirl during the occupation as well as a boy who came of age within the Hitler Youth (and his time spent there was very close to all the non-fiction accounts I've read of the Youth). While I am in no way excusing any atrocity committed by a member of the Hitler Youth (and there were many), I do wonder at how many that felt like Werner walked those halls. Does he represent 1 in 10? 1 in 100? 1 in 10,000? 
 Speaking of characters - they are all wonderful. No matter how small a part to play each character has, they have meaning and depth and each will make their mark in your overall impression of the book. I was particularly fond of Marie-Laure's Uncle Etienne, and loved all of the moments that those two characters shared. 
 The plot takes quite some time to really gather all of its threads and start to pull together, but by the time it does you'll come to understand and appreciate all the time it took getting there. Honestly, there wasn't one thing I would change or question about this novel - it is definitely going into the best of the best as far as my bookshelves are concerned.