Her younger sister, Isabelle joins the resistance and embarks on a mission, risking her own life to save the lives of others. Vianne’s home is invaded by German occupants and she’s forced to board with an enemy officer. The book follows two sisters, each embarking upon their own dangerous path towards survival in German-occupied France. I loved reading about women’s involvement in WWII.The Nightingale is compelling historical fiction novel carried by two strong female roles living France during WWII. It’s about two very different sisters, how they react to the war and about survival. There are love stories included but that’s not what the book is about. You can’t tell who the narrator is for that POV and it kept me guessing.

I loved the writing, it sucked me right in and I loved the alternating POV to 1995. I cried so much!! Get your tissues ready. It was a slow start (but you kind of expect a that of historical fiction) however, the last 100 pages are so heartbreaking and packed with so much that when I got to that point I couldn’t stop reading. But what else can I say that hasn’t been said already about this beautiful, heartbreaking story? I’m so glad I did! I definitely lived up to the hype for me. I always go in hesitant about super hyped books and I think that’s the reason why it took me so long to pick this one up.

Everyone told me I would love it and it seems like one of the most liked historical fiction books, which is one of my favorite genres. I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while. Vivid and exquisite in its illumination of a time and place defined by atrocity, but also humanity and courage, Kristin Hannah’s novel will provoke thought and discussion after readers turn the final page. With life changing, and confronted by unbelievable horros, Vianne and Isabelle find themselves responding in ways they never thought possible, as bravery and resistance take differing forms for each of the two sisters. But when the Second World War breaks out and Antoine is conscripted to fight, Isabelle is sent to the country by her father to help Vianne.Īs the war develops, the strength of the sisters’ relationship is put to the test. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their child. “In love we find out who we want to be in war we find out who we are”ĭespite their differences, Vianne and Isabelle have always been close.

The nightingale books