The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Published by: St. Martin’s Press on February 3rd, 2015

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, War, World War II

Pages: 440

Format: eBook

Source: Purchased

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Synopsis (from Goodreads): Despite their differences, sisters Vianne and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Vianne finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her.

As the war progresses, the sisters’ relationship and strength are tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Vianne and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.

Review: I finally got around to reading this book! It’s been in my eReader for months. I stumbled upon this book while looking for World War II historical fiction novels and this did not disappoint.

The book was in dual perspectives between 2 sisters; Vianne and Isabelle. I believe there was an age gap between the two of 7 years which made things a bit rough between them. Vianne was all about family and protecting her children and her home whereas Isabelle wanted and needed to do something to make a difference in this war. Each of the sisters went through their own hardships throughout and sometimes their paths crossed throughout the years of France being occupied by the Nazis. A few chapters also take place in 1995 and you don’t find out until the end which sister it is. I was surprised when it was revealed!

I really liked the romance between Isabelle and Geitan. It was realistic for the times and their realities. Isabelle’s story is very inspirational and makes you want to go out and do something and change something. It makes me wonder if her storyline was based off of someone in particular or if it was pure imagination.

I also really liked the relationship that was building between Vianne and Beck even though it would’ve been very wrong, I don’t know if that’s the right word for it. She was very lucky to have him as her billet at her place during the rough times.

I didn’t find that the book dragged at any point. Each chapter kept me wanted to go on and find out what happens to either of the sisters. World War II historical fiction is one of my favourite genres to read and this setting was different than the others I have read. I love the different takes on countries affected by the war. It’s different each time.

If you guys have any recommendations for books set in World War II please let me know!

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