The Nightingale in Crazy Challenge Connection

Aug 22, 2016 Book Concierge rated it liked it

Shelves: library, concierge, strong-women, world-war-ii, audio, france, historical-fiction, sisters

Book on CD narrated by Polly Stone

Two sisters in Nazi-occupied France struggle to survive, and resist. Their father sends Isabelle Rossignol from Paris to the village of Carriveau, to live with her sister, Vianne Mauriac in relative safety.

I was hesitant to try this because I’d read Hannah before and was lukewarm to that work, but the good reviews from many people whose opinions I trust made me reconsider. Then my F2F book club chose it for discussion, so I was in.

As the story took off, I was Book on CD narrated by Polly Stone

Two sisters in Nazi-occupied France struggle to survive, and resist. Their father sends Isabelle Rossignol from Paris to the village of Carriveau, to live with her sister, Vianne Mauriac in relative safety.

I was hesitant to try this because I’d read Hannah before and was lukewarm to that work, but the good reviews from many people whose opinions I trust made me reconsider. Then my F2F book club chose it for discussion, so I was in.

As the story took off, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I was really invested in these two young women, the brash and outspoken Isabelle, and the quiet, steady Vianne. Of course their differences are exacerbated by their circumstances; Isabelle is only 19 and full of outrage and a desire to DO something, while Vianne is a mother whose husband is fighting on the front, while she works to maintain their household.

Isabelle has always been a fighter, and quick to voice her opinions. Vianne can’t afford to go off half-cocked on a “mission” that would put not only her life at risk but that of her daughter, Sophie. When a German officer is billeted in Vianne’s home, Isabelle becomes increasingly angry and joins a resistance movement. But her actions put Vianne and Sophie at risk, so she returns to Paris, where her youth and beauty help give her a perfect cover. Who would believe that this blonde teenager, who flirts with the Nazi soldiers who frequent her father’s bookshop, is “the Nightingale” who leads downed RAF pilots across the Pyrenees to safety?

Meanwhile, back in Carriveau, Vianne is increasingly uncomfortable with the Nazis’ way of treating the Jews. She finds her own courage and ways to resist that, while not so brazen as Isabelle’s work, are every bit as dangerous.

It’s a compelling story, and I really liked having the action take place within the lives of these two women. However, at about the midpoint of the narrative, it took a turn towards a romantic melodrama that just really irritated me. And I thought the flashback “mystery” was entirely unnecessary and manipulative.

Polly Stone does a very good job narrating the audio book. Her pacing was good, and she really brought the characters to life.
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Sep 25, 2017 Sue rated it it was amazing

Shelves: continental-europe, wwii, neighborhood-bk-club

I don't throw around 5 stars much, but this was a really excellent read. Not only was it exciting and kept my interest, it had a very interesting theme centered on choices. What are we willing to do in horrific situations to save those we love? Set during WWII in France, it follows two sisters and what they do during the war. Interesting to hear one of the characters mention a couple times that women are overlooked in war, they don't tell stories like the men, they are forgotten characters in wh ...more

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Feb 12, 2019 Michele rated it it was amazing

An excellent book. It has been on my TBR shelf for awhile. Why did I wait so long to read it? Looking forward to the movie out later this year.

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Jul 21, 2020 Avigail rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: everand, audiobook, youtube-rec, physical-book, 2020, own, 5-stars

"The Nightingale," is my first Kristin Hannah book that I read, even though I have another of her books on my long TBR physical bookshelf.
Kristin Hannah's writing is prolific and captivating. The hype of this book is very understandable, and it is the reason that took me to pick it up. I listened to the audiobook through the Audible app. Polly Stone, the narrator, does a fantastic job narrating the book.
Yes, "The Nightingale" is another historical-fiction about WWII, and it takes in France. Bu ...more

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