The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

 

            An epic novel that spans over 50 years, this is beyond a doubt Hannah’s finest book to date. Hannah is at the height of her ability on this one, and it is impressive.

            Set in France during WWII, the book follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, ordinary French women who experience the evil, desperation and desolation of war in occupied France. Vianne, the elder sister, believes that if she keeps her head down and follows the rules the Germans impose, all will be well. Isabelle has seen the evil of the German army and believes that resistance is the only choice.  Each of the sister’s attitudes not only shape their choices and change their lives, but will affect many others, both in the present and in the future.

            The book moves from the present day to the past in the two sisters voices. Vianne and Isabelle in the past, and one of the sisters in the present. It is not until the end that the present tense sister’s identity is revealed.

            It is impossible to read this novel and not loose oneself in it. There is just so much to this book: love, loss, beauty, evil, horror, courage and hope.

            Hannah’s opening line to this novel sums it up best: ‘In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.”

            Buy this book for yourself, your friends, anyone who enjoys an epic read of the first quality.