Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

5 reviews

l4uren_11's review

adventurous emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, tells the interwoven stories of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, separated by ideals and circumstance. Each embarks on a perilous journey toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France.

My Thoughts:

I have much to praise about this book. I adored the stories of these two sisters, even though they're fictional. They resonated deeply, reminding me that their struggles mirrored those of countless real women during World War II. I often found myself asking, "Would I have shown the same courage in their place?"  

The first half of the book had me hooked. It was paced perfectly, allowing me to truly connect with each character. However, the story, despite its emotional impact, dragged a bit in the middle. I confess I even doubted if I could finish it.

Despite this lull, the dual-POV narration was expertly executed and easy to follow. My main criticism lies in the occasional rushed feeling, which slightly hampered my emotional connection to the story.

But even with these reservations, the book's ending was powerful and moving. Tears streamed down my face as the final pages turned. In the end, I couldn't put it down. I devoured the last few chapters, eager to see how everything unfolded.

While this was my first time into historical fiction, The Nightingale did its job brilliantly. It sparked a desire to delve deeper into this genre, to explore more stories that blend historical truth with fictional narratives. 

Please make sure to read the trigger warnings. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault, War, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Cursing and Alcoholism

tays_books's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Abandonment, Blood, Antisemitism, War, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Torture, Religious bigotry, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, and Murder

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Alcohol, Cancer, Deportation, Genocide, Miscarriage, Grief, Infertility, Pregnancy, Xenophobia, and Alcoholism

Minor: Homophobia, Confinement, and Excrement

dannythestreet's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Deportation, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Grief, Sexual harassment, Torture, Abandonment, Antisemitism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Violence, and War

Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Animal cruelty, Blood, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Religious bigotry

Minor: Vomit, Alcohol, Cancer, Excrement, and Suicide

ansfaiv's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

i SOBBED while reading this. i haven’t  stopped thinking about this since i finished it. 10000/10 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: War, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, and Torture

Moderate: Child death and Death of parent

Minor: Gun violence, Infertility, and Toxic relationship

mikayla_ruth's review against another edition

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: War, Abandonment, and Death

Moderate: Toxic relationship