Seamlessly, the story sweeps between the past and the future, beginning in 1939, in France, with a war on the horizon, into moments in the mid-nineties, and finally, we realize just who that unnamed old lady is and what she has done to sacrifice for the cause. Halfway through the story, I thought I knew who the narrator was, so imagine my surprise at the end to discover I was wrong.
When Viann and her daughter Sophie are left behind after her husband Antoine goes off to war, and Isabelle leaves the village to return to Paris, wanting to do something to make a difference, none of them could even begin to imagine what lies ahead.
The Nightingale is the riveting story of the acts of courage that each of them will take and the unexpected events that will change them forever.
What does Isabelle do to make a difference? How will she move beyond the early activities as a courier for the Resistance to something so dramatic that nobody who knows her could imagine it? And in the face of the unspeakable acts she witnesses, what sacrifices will Viann make that she could not have imagined taking on?
Through the author’s talented prose, the reader is drawn into the emotional and physical lives of the characters, experiencing what they experience: feeling their pain, their loss, and their fear. The complexity of the sibling rivalries between the two sisters, whose mother had died early in their lives and whose father emotionally abandoned them, was vividly drawn. The feelings were evocative, leaving this reader fully engaged and eager to find out what would happen next. Definitely a five star read for me.
I have this book on my “to buy” list and am so glad to know you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
I had to have tissues handy for this one, Beth…hope you enjoy it, too.
LikeLike
I have not been able to decide if I wanted to read this one or not. But…you have made it sound interesting!
LikeLike
It was pretty grim in parts, during the torture phases, but I loved it anyway. Thanks for stopping by, Patty.
LikeLike
I like dual timelines and love this author.
LikeLike
I think you would love this one, Nise…it is awesome! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I’ve been curious about this one. I’m glad you loved it!
LikeLike
So am I, Pat! It’s great to be totally immersed in an engaging story. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
OOH that sounds good! I will keep an eye out for that one.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Sheila; hope you decide to read it.
LikeLike
The emotions and the family touch sound like they make this a good read
LikeLike
I loved that about this book, Brandi. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
This definitely sounds like one I need to read – thanks for a great review.
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy it, Cleopatra; thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I have this book to review. It looks great and I’ve always loved this author’s work.
LikeLike
Me, too, and while I don’t often read historical novels, this one totally engaged me. Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne, and I hope you enjoy this one.
LikeLike
Fabulous review, love Kristin Hannah. I’ve just requested it on NetGalley, hope I get it 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Teddyree…hope you get it and love it!
LikeLike
Pingback: MONTHLY WRAP-UP: GOODBYE TO 2014 | Curl up and Read
I’m glad you enjoyed this one so much! I am reading it now and am about 30% into it. It’s very tough to read emotionally. My heart is pretty much breaking every second I’m reading it!!
LikeLike
Oh, it is tough, but I always love a good cry now and then. Thanks for stopping by, Brandie, and I hope this one will be one of your favorites, too.
LikeLike
I’m glad you enjoyed this one so much! I’m reading it now and about 30% into it. It’s pretty much breaking my heart the entire time I’ve been reading! Very tough to read emotionally. I’m anxious to see how things end up and who the woman in the beginning is.
LikeLike
Definitely!
LikeLike
Pingback: Musing Mondays (January 26) | Cleopatra Loves Books