Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

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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.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West

Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes

I picked up this book because it reminded me of Where'd You Go Bernadette?  which I enjoyed.  Where'd you Go Bernadette? has now been made in to a movie that I must still see.  

Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes revolves around the parents, students and teachers at a privileged school.  Isobel Johnson is trying to make a difference teaching grade 9 English.  She encourages her students to look at other perspectives in their novel studies.  The story begins with an anonymous phone message suggesting Isobel stop teaching anti-American ideas.  The message is a little worrisome but Isobel is accustomed to the controlling parents in the school community.

Julia is a parent to two children at the school.  For years she's been hoping her son will make it to a leading role in the school play.  She has generously donated a costume room.  She has worked on the board helping to fund raise for the productions.  Her son deserves this role and to be certain she's made a strong suggestion to the principal that the lead is the role for her son.

Things begin to unravel for Julia and Isobel and it's all being displayed and discussed on the parent's Facebook gossip page.  But who is the person that owns and mediates the page?  Why are they constantly stirring things up?  How do they have know so much?