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The Nightingale


The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah
5/5

Last year, when I opened a Goodreads account, I decided on an easy ranking system, so I’d know how to rate each book I read. A 4 is usually what I give a book... enjoyed the read, had fun, carried it with me everywhere, etc. A 3 would be kind of ‘meh.’ Like, I didn’t love it, and I didn’t hate it, but it could have been better. A 2 or 1 would be books that I finished but either didn’t like it or it was written well. A 5 would be reserved for the best of the best, and ladies and gentlemen... this book is a 5. I couldn’t put it down, it gave me an emotional response, and when I put the book down finally (late last night) I think I just said, “Wow.” It’s stuck with me all night.

The book is about two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, living in Nazi occupied France. Isabelle wants to join the resistance, but her sister wants to pretend like the war isn’t happening... until she’s forced to host a Nazi soldier in her home. The story is how both women find inner strength to fight their own battles, both on the front lines and at home. 

The prose is beautiful, and it’s a definite page-turner. There were times during the week where I’d look down at the page, completely shocked that I’d just read 100 pages. If you haven’t already... read this book. 

I moved on to Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it- I’m only 5 pages in but I love the narrative voice already. It looks like I picked some great books this go around! 

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