4.2 ⭐️

God, this book tore me apart. Such a heartbreaking story about two sisters’ lives during WWII. I know it’s not a true story, but it really does show the reality of people who lived during that time and what they went through. This was such an unimaginable time in history, full of horrors, loss, and grief. This book just shows a glimpse of what people went through to survive this brutal war. This is my second book of Kristin Hannah’s and I’ve noticed that she creates two main female characters who have completely opposing morals and values where one is a rule follower and careful, while the other is not afraid to speak their mind but also reckless. They eventually go through some tough events throughout the book and face the realities of their decisions. I like that even though Isabelle is labeled as the Nightingale, many characters in the book are also the Nightingales in their own way. Vianne when she decides to save the children, Julien when he sacrifices himself to save Isabelle, and many others.

Talking about Vianne’s character first, she is such a strong woman whose main priority is to protect her daughter. But because she makes decisions based on that fact, it is unfortunately her greatest weakness. When the German officers have to live in her house, both Beck and von Richter use her love for her daughter to their advantage. Beck gave Vianne antibiotics when Sophie was sick and Vianne saw it as an act of kindness. But in my opinion, it was a way for Beck to manipulate Vianne’s feelings so she saw it as an act of kindness and think that he’s a good person. It helps blind her to the reality of the situation when antibiotics should be easily accessible when someone is sick. Von Richter uses the threat of hurting Sophie and Ari/Daniel to make Vianne do whatever he wants. But I’m glad Vianne realizes that she needs to protect more than just herself and Sophie. She uses her connections to save children from parents who are taken away, and she does it right under the Germans’ noses.

Isabelle is the fighter from the very beginning. But I feel so bad for her when the Germans catch her. It was unfortunately her recklessness and pridefulness that led to her capture. She refused to take breaks even when people advised her that it was getting dangerous. I understand that she wanted to help, but she relied too much on the fact that the Germans would never suspect her since she’s a woman. It did work in a way because the Germans never suspected that she was the Nightingale even after they captured her, but it also led to consequences for other people. Like when her father had to sacrifice himself to save her and Vianne having to kill Beck to save Isabelle from being seen with the dead pilot.

This story showed what bravery and true courage look like. Even though it’s not a true story, I’m sure that people during that time went through a similar experience like any of the events in the book so it’s unimaginable the horrors that the Germans did to not just the French, but to everyone that opposed them. A truly heavy, heartbreaking book that I will always remember.