Netflix's "All the Light We Cannot See" Alters Book Ending: Creators Discuss Changes and Audience Response

Netflix’s adaptation of Anthony Doerr’s World War II novel includes an extended encounter between the two main characters and omits the original book's future-set epilogue; while the changes have elicited mixed reactions among die-hard fans, the series' creators, cast, and even Doerr himself express satisfaction with the reimagined ending.

Netflix's adaptation of Anthony Doerr’s World War II novel, 'All the Light We Cannot See,' made key changes to the book's ending, extended the encounter between the main characters and omitted the book's epilogue.
The changes included a prolonged encounter between the characters, Marie-Laure and Werner, including a dance, a kiss, and a promise by Werner to find Marie again, which were not part of the book.
Author Anthony Doerr expressed his satisfaction with the changes to the ending in the series adaptation, stating that the new ending offers fans the resolution they desired.
The creators decided not to include the epilogue portion of Doerr's book in the show, despite it serving a significant purpose in the novel to remind readers of how much light we still cannot see.
Despite the changes and omission of the epilogue, the series still provides a glimpse of the future using archival footage, showing the rebuilding of the city after the war, honoring the novel's themes of destruction and rebirth.

The Hollywood Reporter