The Nightingale
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4.6 • 171 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A REESE WITHERSPOON BOOKCLUB PICK
Soon to be a major motion picture, The Nightingale is a multi-million copy bestseller across the world. It has become a phenomenon that has enthralled a generation of readers.
Bravery, courage, fear and love in a time of war, from New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah.
"Wrenching, convincing . . . bittersweet" Publishers Weekly
Despite their differences, sisters Viann and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Viann is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Viann finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her.
As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength is tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Viann and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.
Vivid and exquisite in its illumination of a time and place that was filled with atrocities, but also humanity and strength, Kristin Hannah's novel will provoke thought and discussion that will have readers talking long after they finish reading.
PRAISE FOR THE NIGHTINGALE
"Movingly written and plotted with the skill of Greek tragedy. You'll keep turning the pages until the last racking sob" Daily Mail
"A gripping, emotional read" SHE magazine
"Brilliant dialogue makes this a compulsive read" Books Monthly
"I loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a talented writer of American stories; great characters, great plots, great emotions, who could ask for more in a novel?" Isabel Allende
"Beautifully written . . . packed with action and emotion" Sara Gruen, bestselling author of Water for Elephants
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Gorgeously written, The Nightingale is a feast of images, scenes and emotions that whirl off the page. Set in WWII France, the novel tells the story of two sisters with very different personalities forced to draw upon their strengths and find their own path to resistance under the German occupation. We were completely absorbed by the development of Viann and Isabelle’s relationship and the tense, moving portrait of two women’s courage during one of history’s overwhelmingly dark periods.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are," Hannah's narrator, Viann Mauriac, proclaims as she looks back on her life in France. The bestselling author hits her stride in this page-turning tale about two sisters, one in the French countryside, the other in Paris, who show remarkable courage in the German occupation during WWII. Through Viann we learn how life was disrupted when husbands and fathers were forced to enlist while the Germans took over their towns and villages, billeting themselves in people's homes, gorging on food, and forcing the starved locals to wait in endless lines for rations. Viann's younger sister, Isabelle, always rebellious, joins the resistance in Paris, finds love with another resistance fighter, and risks her life guiding downed British and American paratroopers over the Pyrenees and out of France. Viann does her part too, saving 19 Jewish children by hiding them in a convent. Despite having a German officer in her own home, she also takes in a Jewish baby her best friend's son when his mother is sent to a concentration camp. The author ably depicts war's horrors through the eyes of these two women, whose strength of character shines through no matter their differences. Announced first printing of 350,000 copies.
Customer Reviews
The Nightingale
My heart is overflowing with admiration at the bravery shown by such wonderful and brave people that fought during the wars.
This amazing story makes us grateful for what we have and for love.
I will never forget this book.
Great, emotional read
Written so well and phenomenal character development. A book I won’t forget.
A must read!
Fantastic book, couldn’t put it down. A considered insight into a families experience during a tragic war.