A review by monikapuff
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

emotional reflective 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? Yes

4.5

 I don't really know how to put my feelings about this novel into words, I think I spent last twenty or so pages bawling my eyes out it was that painful.
The Nightingale is a work of fiction, but it's hard to draw a line between it and reality, knowing just how realistic it is(as far as I know, it is inspired by true story of Andrée de Jongh, as a direct inspiration for Isabelle) and that the society keeps forgetting that women live through the wars too, while trying to either have their families safe in danger of the full blown enemy occupation, or to stick to their beliefs and fight for them. Vianne's and Isabelle's stories are equally as tragic and heartbreaking, while on the flipside, showing how heroic they were.
I think it gave enough details of the horrific events without overtly describing them. It certainly packs a punch in the realism of the war and what it takes from people who are 'lucky' enough to survive it. 
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