Reviews

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Only show reviews with written explanations

maasi's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

4.75

ines_santos13's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense 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

4.75

anniemelton's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I can’t put into words how heartbreakingly beautiful this book is. I cried for at least 75% of this book so make sure you have tissues handy. I don’t think I’ve fallen in love with any characters like I did Vianne and Isabelle. This book is a must read for everyone.

ingaragnars's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.75

This book took me a while to get through, admittedly I shouldn’t have read it during a stressful time at school because I just couldn’t get into it. Eventually I resorted to listening to the audiobook because I couldn’t bring myself to sit down and read this book. In the end, it was a beautiful story and definitely one I’d recommend, but it felt so slow-paced at times that it couldn’t hold my attention - again, probably my fault for reading it now, though.

Overall, it was a really interesting story about what happened to the women who stayed home during the war and the difficulties they faced even though they weren’t fighting the actual battles. It’s about how the war changes people, bringing them together or tearing them apart. Very, very interesting.

lnocita's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The Nightingale, is a mesmerizing read that follows that lives of two sisters and their family in France from the outset of World War II through its conclusion. What I particularly enjoy about historical fiction is the effortless way in which I learn about historical events. I knew little of Vichy France or the atrocities ordinary people endured during the Nazi occupation but I was instantly transported there in Hannah's telling. Ordinarily I find Hannah's writing a little on the lighter side, sort of chick-lit-y, but this is a definite departure, a somber and tender narrative. It is everything I wished for Sarah's Key to be. Interestingly, Hannah recognizes de Rosnay in her acknowledgements. Of the two, I think this is the stronger novel. Although a bit weary of World War II novels, this one is a standout.