What readers think of The Nightingale, plus links to write your own review.

When I opened this book I was delighted to discover that I had already read a book by Kristin Hannah - a book I had picked up, used, called Firefly Lane. It was a very real, very touching story, and I cried, having experienced some of what is in that book. Friends who read it after me felt the same. Oh yes, the same thing has happened as I finished reading her latest, The Nightingale. The plot twists and turns preclude discussing it to avoid spoiling anything for readers. Thank you, Mrs. Hannah for this awesome book written not a moment too soon as so few people who will recognize the truth in it are left. May this story keep their experiences alive even longer. Memories matter. Love lasts. We remain. What a brilliant, message.

As a fan of Kristan Hannah, I was anxious to read and review the Nightingale. I was not disappointed and can not wait to share this book with my friends.
This is a story of love and sacrifice during the horror of the German occupation of France. Although I had heard before of the French people and there treatment of some of their own, this story reinforced (to me) their unbelievable actions. Yet it was a beautiful story of love - particular of family- and how sad and beautiful it can be.
I highly recommend this book and will certainly suggest it to my book club.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is easily the best book I have read in a very long time. Hannah crafts a character driven story about two sisters: Isabelle Rossignol and Vian Rossignol Mauriac, young women who live both in Paris as well as in a small country town in central France. The story begins in August, 1939, as France realizes it must arm itself against the very real Nazi threat, and continues until the end of the war in 1945. These women are transformed, each in her own way, from ordinary French girls into fierce warriors. Vian uses every ounce of her being to keep safe her child and the children she teaches. Isabelle emerges as a cornerstone of the French Resistance movement. From the start, I was into these two lives and found it difficult to set the book down. I became a woman in occupied France and steeled myself as each new horrible circumstance confronted me. I read the last fifty pages or so with eyes full of tears. Do not miss this thoughtful and compelling story of two very courageous women and the lives they changed forever.

I loved this book. Kristin Hannah weaves such a hauntingly wonderful story in The Nightingale. The characters are so richly developed that the reader can't help but keep turning the pages! I was skeptical that it was yet another novel about the Holocaust, but do yourself a favor and read this one!!! It's going to stick with me!

I have been a fan of Kristin Hannah for a long time and have read most of her books. Given that, I was very happy to be selected to read her latest book, and to put it simply, I just devoured this story. Kristin Hannah has reached a new level with this strong and enduring cast of characters and themes.I would challenge anyone to read this book and not feel deeply moved by it's message. I felt proud of these women, struggling to survive in times of war and wondered "what would I do" to save my family, my freedoms and all that I hold dear? Beyond that question looms another: "Do I have that deep core of bravery so desperately needed in the darkest of hours?"
Relevant today and always this story will stay with me a long time. It has my strongest recommendation.

The Nightingale is Hannah's latest book due to be published in February 2015. As with all her other books, if I could rate it higher I would. The book is about two sisters who lived in France during World War II. The book opens in current day when one sister receives an invitation to travel back to France for a special celebration. It becomes clear early on that her son, Julian, does not know much of her earlier life during the War. The story weaves back and forth through time with most of the emphasis in the 40's during the War.

Hannah writes beautifully in this book. She has a way of writing that simply transports you there into the story. The characters are real and you experience the same fear, anguish and hurt as they do. This story is told from a woman's perspective which greatly added to the story line. I have read many World War II books but few that place special emphasis on the heroism and courage of women fighting the War in their own ways. The book builds suspense gradually. When I reached Chapter 32, my nerves were taut. Everyone knows the history of World War II but the reader is praying that the inevitable will not happen here. The author does an excellent job with her series of surprise events that ultimately occur.

I would heartily recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical fiction. The book was well researched and presents a solid look at the French Resistance. I urge you to keep tissues handy for the ending, however. Hannah does not fail to touch your heart.

Kristin Hannah is known for her contemporary fiction so I was blown away by this meticulously researched work of historical fiction set in France during WW2. The story focuses on a time when people did not believe that France would ever abandon its Jews or that the Germans would overrun their quiet community. It speaks to the strengths of women who were willing to put their lives on the line because it was the right thing to do. The author brought this dark time in history alive with her engaging story based on actual events. There is no doubt in my mind that this book will take its place with other Holocaust themed literature.