A review by jillwedemeier
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense 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

4.5

"The Nightingale" is a heart-wrenching story of two sisters living in France during World War II and their struggles to survive the German occupation of France.  There is not much I can say about this novel that hasn't already been said by others.  Bottom line: you should read this book!  

In 1939, Vianne Mauriac lives in the small town of Carriveau, France, with her husband, Antoine and her eight-year-old daughter, Sophie.  Vianne's husband is drafted during the war and subsequently captured as a prisoner of war.  Her quiet village becomes occupied by the Germans and life changes quickly.  Vianne faces poor food rations and loses her teaching job, and her home is billeted by German officers. Meanwhile, Vianne's younger sister, Isabelle, takes an active role in resisting the German occupation.  After being expelled from finishing school, she travels from Paris to Carriveau on foot and meets a young rebel along the way.  In Carriveau, Isabelle joins the French Resistance.  She then moves to Paris, where she begins helping downed Allied airmen escape to the British Embassy in Spain.

I was so invested in Isabelle and Vianne's storylines that at times I forgot I was reading.  I don't necessarily consider myself an emotional person, but this novel was incredibly moving.  Truly an unforgettable, poignant novel that everyone should read.

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