thechroniclesofreading 's review for:

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

4.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Kristin Hannah has a talent for writing about women stories from moments in history where we often focus on men. And I very much enjoyed reading Isabelle and Vianne’s stories. One focused on fighting back against their oppressors and the other trying to simply survive. Though, one thing we learn is that neither path is easy. 

Both characters have their moments are being very unlikable and they had me screaming in frustration. But they both won me over with their bravery and choices. 

I have read many WW2 books set in the UK where they may have travelled through occupied France but I have never read one solely set in this time and place. I learnt a lot about what women had to do to survive and keep their families safe. I enjoyed learning something new and definitely gave me a new appreciation about women in war zones. 

The book is, of course, heartbreaking in many ways and I did read the last few chapters with tears in my eyes. Very bittersweet at times. 

I read this with a large group of people and absolutely loved seeing their thoughts throughout the book.