The Nightingale

Just finished reading this novel and with tears still falling I am writing this review. This was a very powerful story of two sisters who made it through WWII and the horrific acts that were carried out with the NAZIS’ taking over of France. I thought it was remarkably well written and couldn’t put it down. I remember my own mom describing the air raids and having to run to hide in the cemetery, so this book made a lasting impression on me. I have read two books so far from this author, The Women and The Nightingale and both were 6 ⭐️ to me. I always listen to the audio as well. It’s was a great narration.

The Nightingale is one of those rare books that wraps around your heart and never quite lets go. I read it on my phone in little stolen moments throughout my day — in line at the grocery store, at the post office, whenever life gave me two quiet minutes to breathe — and somehow, this book always met me where I was.Kristin Hannah’s writing is beautiful and immersive, but it’s the emotional weight of this story that truly shines. The bond between sisters, the resilience of women during war, the quiet acts of bravery that go unseen — it all felt so real. At times, I had to put the book down and just breathe.This story made me think of the strong women in my own life — my mother, my grandmother, even myself — and how powerful it is to keep going, especially when no one is watching. If you’re looking for a story that will break your heart and then slowly mend it, leaving you with a deep sense of gratitude — this one is for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Book Review: The Nightingale by Kristin HannahThis book… completely wrecked me in the best way. It’s powerful, emotional, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. I went in knowing it was about two sisters during WWII, but I had no idea how deeply it would affect me.From the start, I felt connected to Isabelle. If I had lived during that time, I believe I would’ve been like her — strong-willed, brave, and unwilling to stay silent in the face of injustice. Her courage, even when she didn’t know exactly how to help, made me admire her so much.Meanwhile, Vianne… whew. She frustrated me so much at times. Especially early on — how quickly she accepted help from the Nazis, how she believed the worst about Isabelle, and how distant she was from her sister who had already been pushed aside her entire life. There were moments I really wanted to shake her. But I also recognized she was in survival mode, trying to protect her daughter while her husband was missing.As the story progressed, I was amazed at how different their experiences were — like they were living in two completely separate worlds, yet both suffering in deeply personal ways. Isabelle’s involvement with the Resistance was inspiring, especially when she successfully led airmen over the Pyrenees. That 24th trip? Unreal. And I was so happy when she and Gaëtan finally reunited. Their love gave me something to hold on to amid all the heartbreak.Vianne’s growth was slower, but she got there. I admired her when she began helping Jewish children. It was risky, and the stakes were terrifying. The scenes involving Sarah and Rachel left me in tears — and Vianne’s assault by the German officer was gut-wrenching. Still, she found a way to fight back in her own way, and I respect that.There were so many emotional punches — Isabelle’s father sacrificing himself to save her… Isabelle’s time in the concentration camp and the horrors she endured… and then, the final chapter. I sobbed through it. Vianne in Paris, speaking about her sister and father, surrounded by the very people Isabelle helped save. The fact that Gaëtan named his daughter after Isabelle — and that moment with Ari recognizing Vianne and thanking her and Sophie — it was almost too much.And then… Isabelle dying in Gaëtan’s arms. 💔 I wanted her to survive, to be the one still alive in the present-day chapters. But that ending, while devastating, felt fitting for who she was — selfless, courageous, and full of love.This book broke my heart and filled it back up, again and again. It reminded me of the forgotten stories of women in war — the quiet bravery, the sacrifices, the resistance, the survival.I truly cannot wait for the movie adaptation in 2027. If they capture even half of this book’s emotion, it’ll be incredible.

Each time I read a Kristin Hannah novel I think, oh this is the best novel she could have written, and that certainly did not change with The Nightingale. How do you even review this book and its perfection?It’s has all the fixings of a perfect novel which is really just Hannah’s continuous work of art. She provides the drama, romance, heartbreak, adventure, and also indulges with a piece of history most of us have never heard of including a heroine, or rather heroines, that give a whole new meaning to superwoman and remain strong and willful in the face of our worlds greatest and most horrific events.As with most Hannah novels, all of your emotions will be surfaced, and don’t forget your tissues. They’re a requirement for reading this one.

Heartbreaking, powerful, inspiring. Beautifully written. Thought-provoking and thoughtfully honors “herstory”.