“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah, published in 2015, is a historical fiction/war story that follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, throughout Germany’s invasion of France during World War II and how they navigate a brutal Nazi takeover.

The book features a dual timeline, following both sisters during the war from 1939-1945 and following one of the sisters, whose identity remains unknown until the end, 50 years removed from the war. Personally, not knowing the identity added more thrill to the book because it made me want to read faster so that I could figure it out.

Though the book has a few chapters in the present timeline, I enjoyed this timeline as I feel that it helped me get to know the character following the war. 

When the war starts, the sisters are at different points in their life. Isabelle is 19 and Vianne is 29. I think that this causes Vianne’s almost motherly approach to her relationship with Isabelle.

When the war starts, the book follows each sister’s reactions. It follows Isabelle as she works to make a difference in the war, starting small then taking on life threatening tasks and Vianne while she tries to survive a soldier billeting in her home. I really liked Beck, the soldier quartering in Vianne’s house. He added a lot to Vianne’s story in the beginning of the war.

This book follows themes of sisterhood and family bonds throughout the war. Telling the story of how two sisters find their own path toward survival, while also conveying just how heartbreaking and world-shattering WWII was.

With subplots of romance, this book also captures how the sisters navigate love throughout the war. The romance between Gaetan and Isabelle brought happy feelings through the darkness of the rest of the book. This book follows very serious topics, such as famine, death and fear. 

“The Nightingale” won countless awards for best book of the year and best historical novel of the year. With 1.7 million ratings on Goodreads and an average 4.64 rating, this book is well loved throughout the world. 

This book completely deserves these awards in my opinion. It took me on a journey, and it truly felt like I was a part of the story. By the end of the book, I felt close to the characters. Their heartbreaks turned into mine.

Isabelle was a very powerful character, and I really admired her dedication to wanting to make a difference in the world. 

While the book was extremely sad, it was the best book I have ever read. This book was easily a six-star read. I felt as if I was going through their life with them. I could picture everything so clearly. 

The way Kristin Hannah puts words on paper brings her stories to life. The line that brought tears to my eyes reads, “It’s enough”.

Vianne’s speech in the last chapter really touched my heart. I was surprised that it was Vianne we were following in the present timeline and not Isabelle. I think this added more depth to the story. It ended with a loss but it was so effortlessly beautiful.