The Nightingale is a book that I feel like everyone has read but me. It came out in 2015 when I was still saying "No, I don't read historical, especially not war." I have to thank some former co-workers for pushing me to just try one. Over holidays I read The Great Alone which left me wanting more Kristin Hannah books.
The Nightingale is based during World War II. Vianne and Isabelle are sisters that life had already been struck by World War I. Their father fought in World War I and then after the sisters mother died the dad just couldn't cope with raising two young girls.
Isabelle, now 19, has grown into an impulsive young woman looking for love, while Vianne has sought out a safe life and is married with a daughter when war strikes again. Vianne's husband leaves for war and her world is upset even more when a German soldier decides her home is a great place to billet. Isabelle wants to fight. She isn't willing to just sit and watch the men fight this battle. But what can a pretty young woman do to save France?
The Nightingale tells the painful story of life in France during World War II. It is also the story of the bravery of the women who risked it all to save a few. It is hard to imagine the risks, suffering and loss that was World War II.
Kristin Hannah is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her novels.