A review by asourceoffiction
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I thought this was stunning, and so poignant - all the more so for knowing Hannah's book was based on the true stories she discovered about the women of the French Resistance. I found Isabelle and Vianne's fractured relationship so engaging, and felt a connection with their characters.

I was also mesmerised by the setting, it was beautifully described and packed a real emotional punch picturing the devastation in Occupied France as the book went on. And the tension! I was gripping the book so tightly at times, as the risks taken by members of the Resistance just kept increasing. It's an incredible piece of storytelling and one of best WWII books I've read in years.

Interestingly, I wasn't as heartbroken by the end as I'd been expecting. It is of course emotional but I really enjoyed the parts of the story set in 1995 (without giving any more away), and it felt really well wrapped up.

On balance The Great Alone is still my favourite Kristin Hannah book, but this comes a close second!
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