The Nightingale

 

By Kristin Hannah

Literary Fiction | Historical Fiction | War & Military

My Review

⭐A 2022 Top Rated Read⭐

'Vivid and exquisite in its illumination of a time and place that was filled with atrocities, but also humanity and strength, Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale will leave you breathless'.

What a beautifully written, tragic story. I couldn't help but be moved by the hardships and cruelties endured by Nazi occupied France during WW2. The bravery of resistance fighters was extraordinary — the world owes them a great debt; even today. We must never forget. 

The Nightingale is one of those books that will stay in my thoughts for a very long time. It was emotional and totally captivating. I cared deeply for the characters — they became my companions and friends. I so wanted a happy ending but war changes people; loved ones are taken from us and suffering surrounds us. The lives these fictional characters lived felt overwhelmingly real and horrific. Yet out of loss, courage and tragedy, freedom and hope emerged. 

An amazing book by a very talented, empathetic author. Definitely a top read of 2022.   

Book Source: Purchased copy
My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Paperback: 464 pages

Publisher: Pan (7th May 2015)

ISBN-13: 978-1447283072

The Blurb

Despite their differences, sisters Vianne and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Vianne finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her.

As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength is tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Vianne and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.