36.8k reviews for:

The Nightingale

Kristin Hannah

4.57 AVERAGE

fast-paced

For better or worse, only Kristin Hannah can make me ugly cry with every book of hers I read. Heartbreakingly enlightening story told with nuance and care.
adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-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
challenging emotional inspiring reflective 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: No
adventurous emotional inspiring sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional reflective sad fast-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: Yes

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It’s a 6 or 7 star book! So well written with a good pace and a twist that’ll leave you in tears. If have even the slightest interest in historical fiction, this book is a must read. A modern classic that I will definitely revisit in the future.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
emotional inspiring 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

This was such an incredible book.  I have always been interested in WWII history, but I've never read it through the lens of women and what they endured during the war.  It is definitely not an easy read emotionally- there were lots of tears and suspenseful moments for me throughout.  Vianne and Isabelle's stories are told in a way that weaves them together but has them running parallel at the same time.  One of the best books I've read!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

I had a feeling this book was going to be devastating, and it was.. it felt so real. At times I would catch myself holding my breath and feel tears welling in my eyes. If you like historical fiction, this one is a must read
emotional inspiring reflective 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: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

“In love we find out who we want to be; in war, we find out who we are.”, was literally on page 1 and I immediately knew this was going to be incredible. This was a breathtaking story of war, family, loss, and love. I was immediately transported to this devastating time and what an incredible job Hannah does of building it. It was interesting how quickly the world went from “nothings happening, the war will never reach us” to them being right in the thick of it. Seeing how differently Vianna and Isabelle reacted to their changing world, It makes you wonder how you would react in the same circumstances. I could understand both of their reactions and decided roles, but I am glad that Vianne found her own way to help the cause. While she might not have made numerous brave journeys across mountains like Isabelle, the 19 Jewish children she was able to save was just as brave, and I thought was a beautiful way to show that every small piece of resistance can have a lasting impact. I haven’t gotten emotional while reading a book in a while 🥹. I’m very excited to read more of Kristen Hannah’s work!!