A review by readwithev
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I love the back and forth between Vianne and Isabelle’s perspectives. I love the narrative framed that also leaves the reader second guessing about who the speaker is. Is it Isabelle framing the story? Is it Vianne? Is it someone else, a friend of theirs?
I enjoyed the tragic love story between Isabelle and Gäeton. I also loved Vianne’s desperation to protect her children and the children she rescues. She endured rape, interrogation, Nazis billeting in her home, and bombings. Isabelle aids Allied soldiers out of France, ensures torture, and survives a concentration camp. They both learn to be brave to fight and to endure. I love that Vianne ends up being the speaker of the frame. Julien sacrificing his life for Isabelle made me take a break from the book. Also, when Vianne had to relinquish Ari to his relatives in New York after the war. That hurt too.

Both sisters take great risks and learn to be stronger. The love of a parent was a huge theme especially the desire to protect your children from harm. I think the love story was just enough to be interesting but not too much to be annoying. It added to Isabelle’s character development. She had some tough lessons to learn. I also love the moral grayness of Herr Beck. I enjoyed Vianne’s mental battle on whether to trust him or not. I admired Vianne’s journey from being cowardly to being a resister.
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