Reviews

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

rhyenfoley46's review against another edition

4.0

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

sandro_reads's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I kept putting off The Nightingale despite many recommendations given the WWII subject matter and the 580 page length. Now that I am on the other side, I can see why people praise it but I just did not connect with it in the same way

I found both sisters insufferable for the plodding first half of the book, each one-dimensional in their persona: Vianne the anxiety-ridden mother and Isabelle, the reckless rebel. We are told countless times how beautiful they both are and they seem to fall in love the way that only happens in romance novels (with some truly cringey dialogue). 

The second half picks up the pace as each does their part to rebel against the war and I found the perspective from an occupied France to be a part of history I knew little about.  I appreciate that the book does not shy away from the brutalities of war and the end is beautiful. A mixed bag but worthwhile read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War and Antisemitism

Moderate: Rape and Child death

tamtams43's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

ktemmett's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

lauraghise's review

adventurous dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

Its a 4.5 star read for me just for that ending. 
Would like to read it again? No

huskbooks's review

emotional inspiring tense

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

jessicabax's review

sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

katekreadsalot's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

I read a lot, and rarely do I experience a book “hangover,” but this one is the largest I’ve had. 

The emotions and actual physical good bumps and heart wrench I felt while reading this are unmatched. This has taken the spot for favorite book of all time. I find no faults with it. 

It is difficult subject matter, but important subject matter. You won’t regret reading this book. 

missalys's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

nika_viburnum's review

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

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

3.25