**Rating:** 4.6/5 (Goodreads)
**Genre:** Historical Fiction

**Pages:** 590
**Published:** January 29, 2015

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

My Reaction

I’ll be honest, when I pick up this book I knew nothing of it’s contents. I purchased it purely on the cover art- as basic as it was. I had just finished reading Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman a few days prior and had Paris on the brain. The Eiffel Tower lured me into the emotional, yet inspiring story of the often forgotten women of World War II.

I’ve always been captivated by the history of World War II, but rarely heard about the harrowing acts of it’s female heros. This book had me completely hooked from start to finish. I found myself reaching for it every tiny free chance I had. There were heart stopping, breath holding, tear jerking moments that made me understand the painful yet hopeful existence endured during World War II.

Some of it’s contents are emotionally heavy so take heed if you’re mentally triggered by content involving death/ dying, sexual assault, & the Holocaust.

A Quick Summery

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set during World War II in Nazi-occupied France. It follows the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who respond to the war in very different ways. Vianne, the older sister, is focused on surviving and protecting her child, while Isabelle, the younger and more rebellious one, becomes a member of the French Resistance. The story explores their struggles, sacrifices, and the risks they take for survival and freedom. The novel highlights themes of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between sisters. It's an emotional and powerful tale of the women's role in wartime and their courage in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Certainly! The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a deeply emotional and poignant story set during World War II, primarily in France under Nazi occupation. It focuses on the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who have vastly different personalities, experiences, and ways of dealing with the war.

The two sisters’ paths are contrasted throughout the book, with Vianne focusing on survival through pragmatism and Isabelle diving into direct resistance, often risking her life for the cause. Despite their different approaches, both women show extraordinary courage and resilience. As the war progresses, the women’s paths intersect in various ways, and the novel shows their emotional growth, trauma, and ultimate sacrifices.

At the heart of the novel is the bond between the two sisters, who, despite their differences, share a deep love for each other and a commitment to protecting their families. The story also touches on themes of love, loss, guilt, and the brutalities of war, highlighting the hidden and often unsung roles women played in wartime resistance efforts.

Ultimately, The Nightingale portrays the enduring strength of women during the war and the ways in which ordinary people can make extraordinary sacrifices in the face of unimaginable circumstances. It’s a moving exploration of survival, bravery, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love.

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