While there were likely several blind girls who lived through World War II, the best-known example, particularly in recent times, is Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a fictional character from the novel All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Marie-Laure LeBlanc: A Symbol of Hope
Marie-Laure LeBlanc, portrayed by Aria Mia Loberti in the Netflix adaptation, is a blind French teenager who lived in Paris with her father, a master locksmith at the Museum of Natural History, at the start of the war. When the Nazis occupied Paris, Marie-Laure and her father fled to the walled city of Saint-Malo, carrying with them a potentially valuable diamond.
In Saint-Malo, Marie-Laure provides hope to her fellow citizens by reading works of classic literature over a shortwave radio each night, broadcasting resistance messages and acting as a beacon during the dark days of the war. Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity have resonated with many readers and viewers, making her a powerful symbol of hope during World War II.
It's important to note that while Marie-Laure LeBlanc is a fictional character, she represents the experiences and struggles of many real individuals who lived through the war, including those with disabilities. The story highlights the importance of resilience, hope, and human connection in the face of unimaginable hardship.
