A review by monloesco
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

If I could give this book a 6 out of 5 🌟 I would definitely do so.
This book made me cry, gasp, be anxious, feel happy, and experience love - in all of its forms: sisterly, motherly, friendly, romantically, between companions - all at once. Even in the horrifying ambiance of WWII (and the cruel and violent actions of the Nazis) it felt hopeful and insightful of what hundreds of people had to live through and experience before they could reunite in peace.
The author made an incredible job giving a back story to all of the characters and use every one of them to tell a different side of the same war:
the sacrifice of mothers, the loss of innocence of children, the rupture of families, the kindness of passeurs, the risks taken by some soldiers and citizens, the resistence of humanity, the unconditionality of love, etc.

Felt this book specially close to reality because of the inability of humanity to stop on re-living wars, destruction and violence.
Times I cried:
- Sarah’s last night
- when they took Daniel away
- Julien’s letter to his daughters
- Isabelle’s last thoughts 
Also… all of the hidden pieces of information were mind-blowing to me… (the sister who made it to the US)

Expand filter menu Content Warnings