A review by a_phoenix_bookcorner
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

challenging dark reflective tense slow-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? No

4.5

A Favorite Quote: “As I approach the end of my years, I know that grief, like regret, settles into our DNA and remains forever a part of us.”

Self-written Blurb: Two sisters, one war.  The war.  This is the story of Isabelle and Vianne, sisters from birth turned strangers from life.  A series of unfortunate events pulled these two apart, can the impending loom of war bring them together or will it sever what little bit of duty that their blood held onto?  War is among France for the second time in only a matter of years.  Isabelle must find her purpose amongst the silent ranks and Vianne must find a way for her mind and body to survive.  Two different experiences, one heart wrenching resolution. 

What I enjoyed: Kristin Hannah has a way with story telling.  She does a fantastic job at blending and weaving love and history together.  This book was an excellent story of survival, heroism, sisterhood, friendship, love, and times of war.  Kristin highlights the silent and dangerous role that many women played in World War II.  She also sheds light on the atrocities of war that go beyond the concentration camps all while expertly intertwining and displaying several different kinds of love.  They say that all is fair in love and war.  

Any struggles?:  This book has detailed and graphic depictions of the inhumanities of war.  It also was paced a little slowly in my opinion.  Heavy and slow.  So it took me a while to get through it but I still say this book is a masterpiece despite all of that.  

Will I recommend and to who: Anyone who likes Kristin Hannah or the historical fiction genre.  I would also recommend this to everyone- as long as WWII and it’s atrocities are not a trigger for you.  It speaks to an important role that women played during times of war in that era.