What the Light Touches: A Novel

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 6,311 ratings

Price: 1.99

Last update: 02-13-2025


About this item

Acclaimed author Xavier Bosch weaves an emotional tale of love and intrigue in this novel about a woman on the cusp of middle age, her beloved grandma, and a strange houseguest who changes everything.

Seventeen-year-old Margaux doesn’t realize one photo could change the course of her life. But in German-occupied Paris, nothing makes sense anymore. Margaux fears the worst when her lover is arrested. And when her photo appears in Nazi propaganda, her family’s reputation and prospects suffer the consequences.

In 2008, Margaux has moved into a retirement home, and her granddaughter Barbara continues to live in the Paris apartment they used to share. Eager to escape unhappy circumstances, Barbara works remotely for a publishing company and rents out a room in “Mamie” Margaux’s apartment to help pay the bills.

One day, Barbara finds a stranger on her couch. Roger, who’s a curious photographer, uncovers shocking secrets about Barbara’s family. And when a snowstorm triggers a lockdown, he opens the door to tempting new possibilities.

A bestseller in its original Catalan at the 2023 Sant Jordi Book Fair, Bosch’s sweeping novel alternates between the two timelines, offering sustenance for historical fiction readers, WWII enthusiasts, and romantics alike.


From the Publisher

One moment captured. A life forever altered. Included with Kindle Unlimited

Top reviews from the United States

  • Bethany T.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2025
    An excellent book. Any attempt to review it will fall short.

    A couple things to note, particularly for the U.S. audience: there is a lot of focus on classical music, and playing in an orchestra; this book is set in Paris with many French words and phrases which are not translated into English (perhaps because this is originally a Catalan book and likely had the French phrases interspersed in the original text); there is a slightly nuanced handling of World War 2 social issues which departs from that absolutist, black and white thinking that American audiences are conditioned to expect.

    I found this to be a slow read. It kept my attention and interest, but it was not the type of fast paced, page turner that has me skipping words. No, this was one I read slowly and savored. Much of the writing is very delicate and masterfully done. There are lots of deep insights and concepts for the reader to contemplate.
  • flyfisher55
    4.0 out of 5 stars beautiful story
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024
    I really loved the book and for the most part it kept my attention. I would have given it 5 stars except I didn’t like the way it was broken up. I think I would have preferred to have the past and present more intertwined. I got a little bored in the first section but I think that wouldn’t have happened had it been more back and forth.

    Overall definitely would recommend. A heart warming read. I will look for more by this author.
  • Anna W
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and heart-wrenching
    Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
    The characters are so real, and the story beautifully blends past and present. While it starts in modern- day, we slowly uncover the past. The plot takes a bit to get going, but the wait is worth it.
    The only things I would change are:
    1. What happens to Laurence? She just disappears.
    2. I could do without the sex scenes. Thankfully, none are too graphic, and the euphemisms are very poetic. But still.

    Overall, an enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed the perspective of reading a translation of a book about a literary agent who sells translation rights!
  • Mary
    3.0 out of 5 stars Story ok, better translation would have helped
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    The whole time I was reading this book I kept wondering about the translation. For a book set in France both in the past (WWII) and modern, the language and colloquialisms were so American and current that it made the read less believable. The story which moved back and forth between the wartime saga of Margaux and Damien, and the story of Barbara and Roger, was ok- a bit contrived at times. I wondered how much research into life in wartime France the author had done because there were parts that did not seem true to other depictions I have read. That, combined with the odd translation made this book just a so-so read. The characters were not always believable but it was hard to tell if part of that was lost in the translation, or just information left out that would explain certain actions/ dialogue.
  • Grandma Runninghorse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2025
    I loved this story of a young woman and a young man, who fall in love during a difficult period in history. It also includes the woman's grandmother. Being a grandmother myself this made the book even more relatable for me.
    It is a nuanced and layered story of love, grief, emotions, sexuality, and the gifts of everyday life. The story is told with a certain artistic flair and photographic genius ensues. Will happiness find them in the end? Or will love be lost forever?
  • Neeta Hale
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Story…but it drags on
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    The story/stories are engaging, interesting, and heartwarming, BUT unimportant details and wordy descriptions created unnecessary boredom. At times, the story line was muddled and lost, which I found sad.
  • afdesserts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    This novel transports you back and forth in time with humor, sensitivity and beauty. The characters are engaging and realistic, as are the details painted in words by the author. Captivating story, full of sadness, loveliness and intelligent analysis of the human condition. Highly recommend.
  • ohio quilter
    4.0 out of 5 stars Poignant
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    A sad, happy, sometimes heart stopping scary, yet always beautifully written story of love and war, cruelty and kindness. While I often read the tales and remembrances of WWII, no two have been entirely the same. Each retelling of the horror of occupation is from the individual’s perspective.
    I loved this book. I read it much slower than I usually do but it required me to slow down and more fully insert myself into the experience. Bosch has written a work of art.

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