Book Review: The Nightingale
Title: The Nightingale
Author: Kristin Hannah
Length: 564 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot Summary: Set in France during World War II, sisters Vianne Mauriac and Isabelle Rossignol navigate the harrowing realities of Nazi occupation. Vianne, a cautious mother in the rural town of Carriveau, struggles to protect her family while her husband is away at war, even as she is forced to house a Nazi officer. In contrast, rebellious Isabelle joins the French Resistance in Paris to help downed Allied pilots escape to safety. As their paths diverge amidst the chaos of war, both sisters face unimaginable challenges, revealing the different forms of courage and sacrifice that define their experiences and ultimately highlight the resilience of love in desperate times.
Review: My heart is heavy. It feels constricted. I am in need of comfort food. These are my thoughts upon finishing this epic novel. (That, and I need to buy more Kleenex.) Despite being familiar with the circumstances of war and having predicted the fates of our characters, I still find myself deeply engrossed in their journey and aching for them to find a reason to live. Much of this is due to Hannah’s portrayal of emotional depth and vivid storytelling. Despite all the tears I shed, this isn’t necessarily a tragic story. It’s not a story of loss, but of love.
“Wounds heal. Love lasts. We remain.”
Rating: 5/5
