The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference and Adult Services
Genre: Historic Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: The Nightingale focuses on the lives of two sisters, Isabelle and Vianne. Isabelle enjoys the city life in Paris, while her older sister is happy living in the country with her family. But, the sisters’ lives are changed forever at the outbreak of World War II. Vianne’s husband is sent to the front while Isabelle is forced to flee the city. Soon France becomes occupied by the Nazis who bring oppressive conditions to the French. When Isabelle and Vianne get a hint of Hitler’s plans for the Jews, they find themselves in situations that are unexpected and that test their courage.
My Review: I listened to the audiobook of this novel, which received an Audie Award in 2016. Polly Stone narrates and does an impeccable job with the French and German accents. The narrative goes back and forth between the sisters’ perspectives and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from another, but it doesn’t take long to figure it out due to the setting or circumstances described. I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of iconic locations in Paris contrasted with the idyllic small town of Carriveau in the French countryside. I truly felt connected to and cared very much about the main characters as well as the plight of women during this time period. I did not know much about the French Resistance or underground and was excited to learn more about this aspect of WWII.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Engaging, Relatable, Enlightening
Give This a Try if You Like… Lilac Girls, All the Light We Cannot See, and Firefly Lane
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!