M.B. Henry’s All the Lights Above Us aims to capture the chaos and courage of D-Day through the perspectives of five women from vastly different backgrounds. The novel gives a unique take on the historic invasion by focusing on a single day, June 6, 1944, but ultimately, it falls short of being a standout in the crowded WWII historical fiction genre.
The premise is intriguing: a Nazi propagandist questioning her choices, a resistance fighter seeking her parents, a Gestapo officer planning betrayal, a medical volunteer overwhelmed by casualties, and a British woman forced to house enemy soldiers. Their experiences highlight the vast reach of the war and the moral dilemmas it created. However, the execution makes the story difficult to engage with. The short chapters and multiple storylines make it feel fragmented, almost like a collection of short stories shuffled together. Listening to the audiobook made it even harder to track.
Henry’s research is evident, and the concept is strong, but the writing didn’t hold my attention the way other WWII novels have. If you’re looking for a unique angle on D-Day, this book might be worth reading. But if you want a gripping WWII novel, there are stronger options.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
** Thank you To Alcove Press and NetGalley for a comp in exchange for an honest review.