The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

„Two sisters. One must be brave. One should be afraid.“ (Quotation)

Content – Book cover

Bravery, courage, fear and love in a time of war                                                                     

Despite their differences, Vianne and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their child. But when the Second World War breaks out and Antoine is conscripted to fight, Isabelle is sent to the country by her father to help Vianne.

As war develops, the strength of the sisters‘ relationship is put to the test. With life changing, and confronted by unbelievable horrors, Vianne and Isabelle find themselves responding in ways they never thought possible, as bravery and resistance take differing forms for each of the two sisters.

Theme and Genre

The story is set in the time of the German occupation of France during WWII and tells the  life conditions of two sisters with quite different characters and how they react to what is happening to the country and people arount them. It is a gripping tale based on the well known events happening in France.

Conclusion

It is very interesting for the reader to follow the development of the main characters, the more cautious Vianne and rebellious Isabelle in this plot full of danger, thrilling action and suffering. A story, readers will remember for long time after turning the last page and closing the book.