#75: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
A guest post by Andrew
Good day to you, readers! It’s been a while since I’ve had a guest post (or any post) so I was thrilled when my buddy Andrew reached out. He’s the cream of the crop and I respect him immensely. Enjoy!
Hi everyone,
I’m Andrew, one of Kyle’s BEST friends. He’s afforded me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a guest contributor to Bite Size Reviews—hopefully I don’t disappoint him, or you, so here we go…
In honor of Kyle’s 2022 theme of reading female authors, last week I picked up the 2015 bestseller The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, and wow, I was blown away. I’m still thinking about the plot twists and reflecting on the themes. I think you all will love it too!
What’s the book about?
The Nightingale is a richly written historical fiction novel telling the story of love and war as experienced by two French sisters during World War II. The plot is heavily influenced by the true story of Andree de Jongh, a heroin of the Belgian Resistance during WWII.
The story follows Vianne and Isabelle as they endure the Nazi invasion and occupation of France throughout the war. The sisters’ possess near opposite temperaments which lead them to endure the war in contrastingly different yet similar ways. Vianne, the older sister, is a meek teacher who must endure separation from her husband, who is away in the French army, while protecting her home and young daughter. Isabelle is a brash 18-year-old beauty who displays the utmost contempt for the Nazi occupation. In time, they will both endure and suffer much while also displaying deep courage in their own ways.
Why should you read it?
From a straight reader’s perspective, it’s well-written and captivating—I couldn’t put it down (or rather take my airpods out). Hannah takes you through the full gambit of emotions: denial, anger, sorrow, hope, love, heartbreak, and joy. The twists and turns of the novel got me every time, even when I was suspecting some of them. It was highly entertaining and I’m still thinking about the characters and the themes, even days after finishing it (that's how you know it was good).
From a history lover’s perspective, it’s fascinating. There are numerous books and movies about WWII battles and concentration camps. There are much fewer about everyday life under Nazi rule. I’m a huge fan of Band of Brothers, A Bridge Too Far, and Schindler’s List; but The Nightingale brought to life a part of the war that I had never fully considered. It brings to light the perspective of the war from the eyes of the millions of women and children who lived in Nazi occupied areas. The novel broadened the devastation of the war for me as I came to see it as not just a war fought between armies or experienced by the imprisoned Jews but a war that encompassed the lives of every person in Europe. As a male reader, it was eye-opening to connect through these fictional characters to the multitude of heroic women of the war who are rarely recognized or remembered.
From a human perspective, you’ll be exposed to the Nazi’s bitter methods from the eyes of female non-combatants who had to endure the war with Nazis living in their homes and towns. It forces you to remember and acknowledge the everyday atrocities of an evil regime unchecked by any form of morality.
As I read and pondered this book, I thought of France’s reaction to the Nazi invasion and how it compares to Ukraine’s current situation. The Nazis rolled over French resistance at the beginning of the war and settled in for a comfortable occupation as they lived like kings off French resources until America entered the war, eventually liberating France. Ukraine on the other hand has very effectively resisted the Russian invasion and, for the most part, has been united as a country in fighting against the Russians (according to the media portrayal of the war). However, there have also been numerous news articles detailing the Russian occupation of villages and towns, Russian soldiers billeting in Ukrainian homes and committing war crimes. I wonder how WWII would have played out differently if France and other European nations had unitedly resisted the Nazi invasion/occupation as Ukraine has against the Russians.
It's good to remember unpleasant pieces of history, to remember that Nazi atrocities were not that long ago and the price to be paid by all when evil regimes are left unchecked.
While I’ve spoken a lot of dark experiences, don’t let that deter you from reading the book. It isn’t all doom and gloom. Hannah weaves intricate love stories and beautiful acts of courage and heroism throughout the story.
Oh, and what would a good Bite Size Review be without a movie reference? The movie is coming out in January, 2023! It’ll be starring two real life sisters—Dakota and Elle Fanning.
Shout Out to Kyle!
Kyle’s passionate appetite for reading and sharing his thoughts through Bite Size Reviews have motivated me to get back to reading more, and I’ve loved it! Thanks Kyle! If you find Bite Size Reviews entertaining, motivating, informative, or just plain interesting, leave Kyle some comments of gratitude and let him know what you love about Bite Size Reviews.
Until next time, Aloha!
Thanks, Andrew! You can guest contribute any time!
And thanks to all of you for reading. Please let me know what books are bringing you joy these days. If you’d like to be a guest contributor, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Kyle
I've read all of Kristin Hannah's books, except this one and I enjoyed them all. I own this e-book and have for several years and I still haven't read it. I couldn't give you one good reason why not, so I'm going to put it on my list of books that I will read this year. I enjoyed the review. Thanks.