Book - The Nightingale

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

"... an epic love story and family drama set at the dawn of World War II."--

"Viann[e] and Isabelle have always been close despite their differences. Younger, bolder sister Isabelle lives in Paris while Viann[e]  lives a quiet and content life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. When World War II strikes and Antoine is sent off to fight, Viann[e] and Isabelle's father sends Isabelle to help her older sister cope. As the war progresses, it's not only the sisters' relationship that is tested, but also their strength and their individual senses of right and wrong. With life as they know it changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Viann[e] 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 exquiste[sic] in its illumination of a time and place that was filled with great monstrosities, but also great humanity and strength, Kristin Hannah's novel will provoke thought and discussion that will have readers talking long after they turn the last page"     image & summary - worldcat.org

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My sister recommended this book. What a story! It was fantastic! I can’t remember the last time I read a book and lingered on the very last sentences the way I did here. 

“Because of them, I know now what matters, and it is not what I have lost. It is my memories. Wounds heal. Love lasts. We remain.” 

I've thought a lot about Vianne and Isabelle and the choices they made. What would I do under similar circumstances? Too often we don't know enough about the women and children who are left at home while the men go to war - in previous wars and those going on now. 

The story behind the story - click here
The author lives in the Seattle area
reviews here
author's website