[Summary] The Nightingale: by Kristin Hannah

by Book*Sense

The by Kristin Hannah | Summary & Analysis New York Times Best Selling Author Kristin Hannah exposes the horrors of World War II in France. She uses the small town of Carriveau as a main setting that dramatically contrasts with the evil that is about to come to a country that has surrendered to the Nazis, and is now being occupied. The novel also develops the story of two courageous sisters who, ironically, get to come together to join forces in a time when hope, faith, and unity are lost. This powerful novel has non-stop action, realistic characters, a strong line of themes and situations that are believable. The historical context within which the novel takes place is accurate.It is 1939 France. It is the period when the country surrenders to the Germans, and the Nazi regime begins its occupation. While the city of Paris takes in most of the heat, the quiet village of Carriveau is on the brink of changing forever. The once peaceful and bucolic town has turned into a horrific show of airplanes, war tanks, bombs, and the scary sight of Nazis from the SS, the Gestapo and the regular Wehrmacht all over. Vianne Mauriac, the young wife of a recently drafted soldier, is obligated to host a Nazi in her home while the war goes on. Her younger 18 year-old sister, the impetuous Isabelle, chooses the dangerous path of joining the French Resistance and risking everything in the her life, her safety, and her emotions. This companion also includes the • Book Review • Story Setting Analysis • Story elements you may have missed as we decipher the novel • Details of Characters & Key Character Analysis • Summary of the text, with some analytical comments interspersed • Discussion & Analysis of Themes, Symbols… • And Much More! This Analysis of the novel fills the gap, making you understand more while enhancing your reading experience.

Genres: Historical Fiction

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2015

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a tribute to revolutionary activities during very hard times. Though sometimes war stories overwhelm, the character development and the family relationships in this book kept me intrigued and involved.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad, such strong women

[Dorothy Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent if harrowing reading. I am 86 years old so am aware of all that went on in Germany and of the plight of so many Jewish people during World War II. The author has presented us with two French sisters, diametrically opposed to each other in their beliefs and opinions, yet she manages to give each woman ample room to justify her actions. I wish, I wish the father of Vianne's last baby had been the first German who billeted in her house, but that would have spoiled the story. When I started reading, expecting a sad story, I was determined not to cry, but gave in towards the end and drenched many tissues, man-sized ones.

As must be obvious from the started and finished reading dates, I just could not put this book down.

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was naïve and flat, the depictions of place and culture were so clichéd it was almost as if the writer had never been to France, so just decided to throw a baguette and beret into every scene. About halfway through I realized there was not going to be one moment of irony or complexity, originality, or compelling prose. I hate to write a rotten review so only do so when I can suggest better alternatives - there are much, much better books out there portraying the French resistance, wartime strife, and dying old women with secrets. 'A Very Long Engagement' 'The Silence of The Sea.'

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book takes place in Paris, Carriveau, and other places in France, leading up to and during WWII, and then briefly in 1995 in the US. It is the story of two sisters, Vianne, who lives in the the small town with her husband and daughter, and her younger sister Isabelle who lives in Paris and with her sister leading up to the war. Each approaches the war differently, but both with great courage while experiencing the Nazi invasion and control along with the depravations of the war years. It is sometimes happy and other times gut-wrenching sad but realistic. You'll definitely want to have the Kleenex handy for parts of it. It is so beautifully written and descriptive, you will really come to know the characters, and the ending was surprising. One of the best historical novels I have read in a long time.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written, this "Summary & Analysis" of The Nightingale/> by Kristin Hannah is loaded with typos and misspellings—even the name of one of the lead characters—reads like it was translated from another language by someone not quite fluent in English. Words are missing, tenses change inexplicably from sentence to sentence, whole paragraphs are repeated from page to page. Awkward and non idiomatic phrasing abounds. Not sure if the writer or editor is at blame here but it really shouldn't be on the market in this condition. As a side note, most of the reviews of this book on Goodreads refer to the novel, The Nightingale, rather than the "Summary". Stick to the novel, do your own analysis!

[Karen]

This is a story of how strong brave women in France occupied by the Germans during WW2 survived . Two sisters Isabelle and Vianne fought in their own way. Isabelle helping many serviceman cross the Pyrenees to get to Spain , risking her own life but finding love . Vianne saving many Jewish children in her village , at the same time her husband away fighting in the war and eventually in prisoner of war camp . Vianne and her daughter Sophie had to billet German officers, the first one being kind and caring. The second a SS officer vicious , Vianne suffered greatly to protect her family , no food was available , all of their valuable possessions seized by the Germans . Life was hard but eventually at the end of the war love shone through but The memories of the horror stayed forever

[Shayla]

I listened to the audiobook version of "The Nightingal", and it was good because in a way to me it came alive with the all the emotional and major voice of the narrator. It was very easy for me to get completely interested in the story, even in the harder parts of the book when Vianne’s family was in danger or when Isabelle was in danger with the Resistance. The story was very good at portraying how it was like to be two sisters living in France with the Nazis. Also this story was very good at showing the strength and bravery that the women in the story had. I was surprised by the strength of Vianne, she was willing to make sure her daughter was safe. I was also surprised by the bravery of Isabelle since she was willing to do anything to help the men who were fighting against the Nazis. I was interested in the story because it was very nicely described, which made me feel like I was also going through it with them too.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was predisposed to not like this book, as I have tired of reading novels based in Europe during WWII. But, Hannah is am excellent writer, and I found myself compelled to keep turning the pages. I was depressed while reading it, but filled with gratitude that I have never had to experience the depravities the characters in this book did.

[Christine Weason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Can't put down. The trials and despair of 2 sisters going through the nightmare of WWII in occupied France. Coming to grips with the atrocities of war, and the sacrifices made for self, family, community, and country. Amazing perspective of the horror children, especially Jewish children, endured in occupied France during the war.

[Maureen Moriarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down, it was compelling though heartbreaking. A heroic tale of two sisters in Nazi occupied France doing their utmost to survive and save others. I am a fan of historical fiction and this is my 2nd novel by Hannah. It won't be my last!

[Mellieyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!! Mesmerizing!! I love everything she writes and this book is no exception.

[Jwkabru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[Lisa Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction. The tale of two French sisters in WWII. Each on a journey to find themselves.

[Barbara Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covered a war which is the subject of many other books with a fresh story that kept moving. Good characterization and details.

[Sam Kugler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful read

[Debra Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

All-time fave!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and wonderful story that taught me my love of WWII books. This is one that I won't soon forget

[Bluma Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most amazing book I ever read. What an in depth Story about Paris in WWII. All thru the eyes of 2 non Jewish sisters.

[Kate Rollag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, could not put it down and have not stopped thinking of the story since I finished reading it.

[Kristen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, but not for the faint of heart.

[Kelly]

Excellent book!

[Anna Kolanowski Kiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read this summary, I reread the novel and loved it as much as I did the first time!

[Jessica Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite historical fiction books I have ever read. Kristin Hannah is always my favorite.

[Bonnie Venton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever experienced. I listened to the audiobook and was completely enveloped in the story. I miss the characters.

[Emily Murugu · Rating 5 out of 5]

such heart wrenching events... horrifying even at times. But the characters have shown more and more the value of kindness and the extent we will go for love.

[Katelyn T · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t finish it. Too much cussing.

[Mark Exworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Geri Lopker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters

Story accurately portrayed history, war, French resiliency and the two sisters lens on circumstances of this time. Compelling novel and story.