The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I really enjoyed this book. Not only was it a unique storyline from typical WWII stories, it was also so well written and fully pulled you into the lives of not one character but two.
I loved that this book was about how women were impacted by the war and how they were able to survive. It's always important to remember those that suffered in the concentration camps and all those brave men who died trying to protect others. But they weren't the only ones that suffered. This really gave a great glimpse into the lives of those who had to live through the war, while at home, with extremely low rations and the enemy side walking down their streets buying and eating all their food in front of them. They had to bite their tongue to keep their children safe, to keep themselves safe so the husbands they prayed for had a family to come home to. And they also had to live through similar harsh winters with little heat or clothing or food to help them through. It was eye opening and also a great new way to show how this war impacted everyone that lived through it (children and adults alike).
I also loved how it showed what women were able to achieve during this war through small gestures and very large ones. I won't ruin it, but you'll find surprises along the way that are even more examples of the resilience of people through hard times to save those they love.
I also appreciated how the book was written. The fact that you got glimpses of present day life (in the '90s) and how someone who lived through the war was surviving now and reacting to different things.
Definitely a wonderful book that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Synopsis: 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.