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The Nightingale
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The Nightingale - September 2022 BOTM
Savita wrote: "I looked up Google and found the following account : Isabelle 's escape route over the Pyrenees for downed Allied airmen was based on the Comet line of 24 year old Andree de Jongh , a Belgian woma..."Oh!!
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "The diary of a young girl by Anne Frank "This is a book that I can never bring myself to read.. :|"
I read it when I was in school and the book left a forever kind of mark on me. Since reading it, I have had no patience for people with "us vs. them" mentality.
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Shriti wrote: "Savita wrote: "That's true , Sherin ! Just about 20 years later ! ... I can sympathize with ☆☆ [spoilers removed] ☆☆"War makes monsters of men, especially when young..."
You've hit the nail on the head , Sherin ! Power - absolute power - is a good unmasker !
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "The diary of a young girl by Anne Frank "This is a book that I can never bring myself to read.. :|"
Yes , your reluctance is understandable . Still , this book , as well as movies like The Odessa File are a kind of education in themselves . It's good to be aware of all aspects of human nature and behavior .
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "I looked up Google and found the following account : Isabelle 's escape route over the Pyrenees for downed Allied airmen was based on the Comet line of 24 year old Andree de Jongh , ..."I was quite amazed , too !
Shriti wrote: "Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "The diary of a young girl by Anne Frank "This is a book that I can never bring myself to read.. :|"
I read it when I was in school and t..."
That level of intolerance was carrying things to an absurd and insane height . It’s amazing how on this same earth were also born kind and enlightened souls like Mahatma Gandhi , Swami Vivekanand, Mother Teresa , Florence Nightingale, Andree de Jongh ( the young Belgian lady I mentioned above ) ........
I do always marvel how these kind people got sought out by their tribe and how they led entire communities into not just seeing the light, but being the light, in utterly dark & horrid times.
Shriti wrote: "I do always marvel how these kind people got sought out by their tribe and how they led entire communities into not just seeing the light, but being the light, in utterly dark & horrid times."Yes , .... they were the light themselves ! I couldn't agree more ! They have , and will continue to show a spiritually blind and blundering humanity the way to Salvation .... mukhti .... freedom from these endless , painful cycles of rebirth and death here on earth .
I suppose kind Heaven sends down these divine souls every now and then to hearten us and help us forward 🤔
Mod
Regarding who is the narrator... we get some more hint (or red herrings! :D)
(view spoiler)
Gorab wrote: "I read a little today to reach the end of Chapter 14.Regarding who is the narrator... we get some more hint (or red herrings! :D)
Its Isabela. Since there is a line on her regrets about "the man ..."
The name is mentioned in chapter 17 , Gorab . But , in actual fact , I am a bit confused . The way the brutal events are heading in chapters 32 - 33 ( I haven't finished chapter 33 yet ) , I don't know who is going to survive . Let's see .
I have not finished chapter 34 yet , but I will stop to comment . Chapter 33 : Reading about the way Isabelle is treated by the ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆
Chapters 33 - 34 : It's heart rending to read how the girls' father first comes to meet ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆ My first reaction was of anger , helplessness , frustration and fear . Then , on deeper thoughts, I thought of the words from the Upanishads : The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over ; thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard . The father's ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆ would get him over the sharp edge of earth's testing razor , and win him the elusive visa for Heaven : the immortal Home where love , happiness and Divine protection reigns . No more of earth's difficult tests , trials and tribulations . Freedom for ever . 🙏🕊🙏 That what ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆ deserved . So , after all , it is not the Gestapo that decides , it is just God 🙏🕊🙏
Chapter 34 : I read details of the Ravensbruck concentration camp , to which ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆ was taken , from the Wikipedia. It was located in northern Germany. They started to build it in 1938 . It was meant exclusively for women ( and children ) . About 1 , 32 , 000 women passed through it . It had one gas chamber . Cruel medical experiments were conducted on the inmates . 30 , 000 to 90 , 000 inmates died or were killed ( the exact number is unknown ) . It was liberated by the Soviet Union on 30th April, 1945 .
Mod
Gorab wrote: "Oh my God! This is going to be cruel."Actually , the author keeps the reader away from sickening details .
I wish the present and future generations would heed to the lessons from these accounts - true accounts , historically recorded facts and fictionalized accounts , and keep away from wars . It is imperative to maintain a strong and up-to-date army , but with that to have a no first aggression policy such as peace loving India maintains .
Savita wrote: "Chapter 34 : I read details of the Ravensbruck concentration camp , to which ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed] ☆☆ was taken , from the Wikipedia. It was located in northern Germany. They started...":(
Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Oh my God! This is going to be cruel."Actually , the author keeps the reader away from sickening details .
I wish the present and future generations would heed to the lessons fro..."
There are many warmongers in every place who do not realize what they are wishing for!
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Oh my God! This is going to be cruel."Actually , the author keeps the reader away from sickening details"
There's a famous quote that I have always found to be true: “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”
Today's youth will puff out their chest thinking that stepping into battle is glorious, without understanding the horrific consequences... not just on the enemy but also on their own people, their own psyche!
Shriti wrote: "Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Oh my God! This is going to be cruel."Actually , the author keeps the reader away from sickening details"
There's a famous quote that I have always f..."
“War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”
Great quote!
Gorab wrote: "I read a little today to reach the end of Chapter 14.Regarding who is the narrator... we get some more hint (or red herrings! :D)"
I had absolutely forgotten about this line - "the man I killed... and the one I should have!"
Alas! If only regret could've fixed things for our narrator.
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Oh my God! This is going to be cruel."Actually , the author keeps the reader away from sickening details .
I wish the present and future generations would heed to ..."
Absolutely !
Shriti wrote: "Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Oh my God! This is going to be cruel."Actually , the author keeps the reader away from sickening details"
There's a famous quote that I have always f..."
Loved the quote ! 👌
But I think that's why , while observing a policy of tolerance , peace and no first aggression , it is yet mandatory for a country to maintain an up-to-date and strong army at all times . Otherwise , another country with a selfish , power hungry and perverted leader may rush in and just take over . It's not enough to be good , there must be strength with goodness to counter the ever present evil in the world . Keeping away from aggression should not automatically mean being a doormat. Maintaining an assertive stance is , I think , the right way forward .
We are a nuclear powered country . We also are a peace loving country ( always have been ) , with a policy of no first aggression . I love this attitude and feel proud of it ! 🖖
Shriti wrote: "Gorab wrote: "I read a little today to reach the end of Chapter 14.Regarding who is the narrator... we get some more hint (or red herrings! :D)"
I had absolutely forgotten about this line - "the..."
Actually, I can't remember this line or the context to which it was said .
Savita wrote: "Shriti wrote: "Gorab wrote: "I read a little today to reach the end of Chapter 14.Regarding who is the narrator... we get some more hint (or red herrings! :D)"
Wait till all of you reach the end, the pieces will add up (-:
Savita wrote: "Loved the quote ! 👌But I think that's why , while observing a policy of tolerance , peace and no first aggression , it is yet mandatory for a country to maintain an up-to-date and strong army at all times . Otherwise , another country with a selfish , power hungry and perverted leader may rush in and just take over . It's not enough to be good ..."
I have a similar but slightly different take on this. It is also why I am partial towards tales of espionage and spy thrillers.
While keeping peace should be a primary goal, avoiding war at all costs should be a close second. Instead of sending off young men into battlefields to preserve the ideals of old and embittered politicians, we should have a capable, dynamic and loyal network of spies across the globe who can thwart any potential attacks hand-in-glove with our embassies. Dig up the weed before it takes root and spreads, to put it metaphorically.
In light of the current times, I find myself absolutely disappointed by the UN's limited role in the Ukraine-Russia war. What good is its 15-member strong Security Council when they are unable to effectively check one of its own?! We are living in a global economy, the price rise and resource scarcity has affected all countries, not just the two warring nations. Yet everyday, the world inches closer to the probability of having a nuclear outbreak. The horror of the atomic bombings in 1945 have been forgotten so easily, that every nation decided to get even mightier weapons that could blow a chunk off the Earth itself.
The fact that year after year, most countries' budgets allocate more funds to their military than towards eradication of social problems like poverty, malnourishment, unemployment, etc. speaks volumes about the regressive direction we are taking as a society.
Shriti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Loved the quote ! 👌But I think that's why , while observing a policy of tolerance , peace and no first aggression , it is yet mandatory for a country to maintain an up-to-date and s..."
The fact that .... most countries' budgets allocate more funds to their military than towards eradication of poverty, malnourishment , unemployment... . This is true . A balance should be struck between military expenditure and civil needs .
But on the debatable issue of acquiring nuclear power .... are you against a country acquiring it ? Becoming a nuclear power is almost a guarantee against enemy attack . Its evil , destructive power cannot be ignored or forgotten by ... by sane minds . Only thing , not always does the man , sitting on a power seat , have a sane mind . I am afraid of minds like Hitler's . Logic and reasoning does not seem to work for them .
Yes , a good espionage system should be able to decrease the likelihood of wars ...... save lives . Life is so precious . And, death is not the worst thing about war . Surviving with a severely maimed body and mind is worse . Life itself becomes such a burden .
Shriti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Shriti wrote: "Gorab wrote: "I read a little today to reach the end of Chapter 14.Regarding who is the narrator... we get some more hint (or red herrings! :D)"
Wait till all of yo..."
Oh , okay !
Savita wrote: "But on the debatable issue of acquiring nuclear power .... are you against a country acquiring it ..."Very much so. This kind of firepower in the hands of the wrong people (read warmongers, megalomaniacs, usurper, morally-repulsive propagandists) can never have a positive outcome.
We are living in a world where we are already seeing the consequences of electing people, who encourage the wrong notion of nationalism and fan the violent flames of hate speech/activity.
You mentioned the names of some great people, Savita; they are remembered for their empathy, compassion, ideals of non-violence, certainly not for fighting fire with fire.
I read somewhere that the Nobel prize winner Otto Hahn, one of the early discoverers of nuclear fission, was so overcome and distraught by news of the atomic bombings in 1945 that he had to be placed on suicide watch. It can't sit easy on a conscience knowing that one played a role, however major or minor, in horrific war crimes. The stain of blood on one's conscience cannot be wiped or washed away.
Veering back into the territory of book discussions, I think the author has done a brilliant job with the character of Captain Beck in this regard. Just like Antoine, he too is a young man with a young family, fighting a war to right the wrongs meted out to his people after WW1, following orders of his superiors, and proudly loyal to his country. (In a war, everyone thinks they are the ones on the right side! 💀 Lack of conviction has never spurred on any soldier, or any tyrant for that matter.) Beck did his best to stay a decent man, but he was ultimately caught in the crossfire of warring factions. He would not even be remembered fondly, for history tends to favor those victors who survive to tell the tale. The Nightingale and similar books - based on historic wars - do their best to remind us that bloodbath and despotism are NEVER the answer. I don't agree on a lot of things with Mr. Gandhi, but he did say it best: “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind”!
Hmm .... I can see your point of view , Shriti . I just re - read the account of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . President Truman made the decision and Gen Thomas Handy gave the order . Were they , too , affected by the aftermath, the way Otto Hahn was , I wonder ? I didn't know about Otto Hahn till I read your message . He was certainly a man with a deeply sensitive conscience. A kind and caring man . A God fearing person . Not every one has these qualities . People don't care what's happening to others , as long as they themselves are not affected . I liked the quote : " An eye for an eye ..... ... " 🤔
Savita wrote: "Hmm .... I can see your point of view , Shriti . I just re - read the account of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . President Truman made the decision and Gen Thomas Handy gave the order . Wer..."I love quotes !😅😏 I have been a quodophile for 15+ years now so you will frequently find me sharing relevant ones.
How much progress have you made with the book, Savita? I am looking forward to discussing the ending.
Shriti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Hmm .... I can see your point of view , Shriti . I just re - read the account of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . President Truman made the decision and Gen Thomas Handy gave ..."Do you maintain a book of quotes , Shriti ? This is interesting and useful !
I have finished chapter 36 . Good God what a heinous chapter 😳 ! I had said to Gorab ( in msg 65 ) that the author keeps the reader away from sickening details . I take back my words .
Chapter 36 describes the Ravensbruck concentration camp . It was very tiring to read the chapter. So much of black hatred , demoniacal anger and inhuman, merciless cruelty ? It absolutely crosses the realms of normalcy ! Thank God the Allied forces forced back the Nazis and closed concentration camps like Ravensbruck and the dreaded Auschwitz .
Savita wrote: "Do you maintain a book of quotes , Shriti ? This is interesting and useful !I have finished chapter 36 . Good God what a heinous chapter 😳 ! I had said ..."
Yes, it's a bone-chilling description of Nazi war crimes.
But I felt that as we neared the end, the book's opening line suddenly made so much sense “If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.”
Oh, and to answer your question, I did have a quotes notebook in my teenage years, but now I mostly use a Pinterest 📌 board for collecting and referring.
Shriti wrote: "Savita wrote: "Do you maintain a book of quotes , Shriti ? This is interesting and useful !I have finished chapter 36 . Good God what a heinous chapter 😳 ! I had said ..."
Yes, it's a bone-chill..."
" In love we find out who we want to be ; in war we find out who we are . " Yes , that's thought provoking . Love is inspiring . War is disillusioning . 🤔 .
A Pinterest board ? Wow , that sounds real interesting ! I suppose you can look up topic wise ? Wow , how useful !
@ Sherin and Gorab : how far have you reached ? @ Em Smitha and Em Lost in Books : your comments would be welcome .
I have finished the book . I will be giving it 4 stars . The end is ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆
Savita wrote: "@ Sherin and Gorab : how far have you reached ? @ Em Smitha and Em Lost in Books : your comments would be welcome ."
Initial 6 chapters :|
I'll catch up soon
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "@ Sherin and Gorab : how far have you reached ? @ Em Smitha and Em Lost in Books : your comments would be welcome ."
Initial 6 chapters :|
I'll catch up soon"
Sherin , take your time and enjoy the book 😊
Savita wrote: "I have finished the book . I will be giving it 4 stars . The end is ..."
Which chapter are you referring to, Savita? 🧐(view spoiler)
Shriti wrote: "Savita wrote: "I have finished the book . I will be giving it 4 stars . The end is ..."
Which chapter are you referring to, Savita? 🧐[spoilers removed]"
Hmm .... I think you're right , Shriti 🤔 ! Actually , I was throughout carrying the impression that the narrator 's name is ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆ The author played a fast one with the readers 😄 !
Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Read till chapter 8.Loved the first line of the book.
Even i haven't read much war books. So far loving it. Liking Gaetan. Though he comes from a suspicious background."
Yes , Gae..."
Chapter 7:
What I felt was Gaetan has gone through too much, and is disillusioned with life. Despite they are close in age, comparatively, Isabelle had choices and had a sheltered life (I'm not discounting her fateful situations) .
For Gaetan, she must have seemed like a rebel without a cause.
He sees that battle-hardened men are fleeing the country.
From his POV, a naive girl who is not really welcome at the battle front, who doesn't have any special skills, who is already travel-worn, who can remain in the comforts of her home ,and who is harbouring romantic feelings towards him at that desperate time
might not be the right companion for the way ahead.
I think I'll like it better if he doesn't reappear in the story.
It will make sense not to find someone again, whom you met during such an unfortunate journey. Ships in the night and all that..
Sherin wrote: "Chapter 7:What I felt was Gaetan has gone through too much, and is disillusioned with life. Despite they are close in age, comparatively, Isabelle had choices and had a sheltered life (I'm not discounting her fateful situations..."
I felt the exact same way about Gaetan after that chapter. Read on, Sherin, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the redemption arc planned for him by the author. 😉
(view spoiler)
Shriti wrote: "Sherin wrote: "Chapter 7:What I felt was Gaetan has gone through too much, and is disillusioned with life. Despite they are close in age, comparatively, Isabelle had choices and had a sheltered l..."
Not viewing the spoiler now :)
Savita wrote: "It's not mentioned what happened to [Spoilers removed]"The end of Chapter 36 has all the answers as per me(view spoiler). It is only Vivian's shame that keeps her from admitting the absolute truth to anyone, except herself. (view spoiler)
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Read till chapter 8.Loved the first line of the book.
Even i haven't read much war books. So far loving it. Liking Gaetan. Though he comes from a suspicious backgroun..."
Hmm ..... Ships that pass in the night..... that's a nice one , but read on .....
Shriti wrote: "Savita wrote: "It's not mentioned what happened to [Spoilers removed]"The end of Chapter 36 has all the answers as per me[spoilers removed]. It is only Vivian's shame that keeps her from admitting..."
Yes , that was the best way forward , but it required three people to have a mature outlook ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆
Mod
I just hope it doesn't gets cliched.
Was unable to read it for the past week due to crazy office work. So far liking it even with a broken momentum.
Sherin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Gorab wrote: "Read till chapter 8.Loved the first line of the book.
Even i haven't read much war books. So far loving it. Liking Gaetan. Though he comes from a suspicious backgroun..."
Nice analysis of Gaeten and Isabelle 's relationship at this point of the story . Ships that pass at night .
Gorab wrote: "I've read till chapter 22 now. Enjoyed the few chapters read today. It's shaping up nicely. I just hope it doesn't gets cliched.
Was unable to read it for the past week due to crazy office work...."
Did you know that ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler) ☆☆ is based on 24 year old Andree de Jongh 's Comet line , for the rescue of aviators and others to escape ? I was amazed ! Sometimes , war brings out the divine among us .
Mod
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This is a book that I can never bring myself to read.. :|