During WWII, the men left for the war leaving behind the women and children behind.  Although many books, both fiction and non-fiction, have been written about the heroism of the men fighting at the front, the stories of the women who remained behind, often in extremely difficult circumstances, have been largely ignored. In The Nightingale, Hannah tells these women’s stories and shines a light on their amazing courage and sacrifice.

1939, Carriveau, France. Vianne has tried desperately ignore the signs of war, but now her husband has received his papers and he must leave to fight the Germans. Vianne knows the cost of war, as her father came back from WWI a changed man-withdrawn, angry and mostly drunk. So for Vianne, her husband’s departure for war fills her with dread and uncertainty, as she wonders how the war will have changed him. Soon after he leaves the Germans occupy their town and she learns that her home has been requisitioned by a German officer, Captain Beck and she and her young daughter must either live with the enemy or lose her home and property. As the war continues, Vianne learns this was just the beginning of the many impossible choices she must make in order to survive the war and protect those she loves.

Recently kicked out of by her father from their home in Paris, Isabelle tries to make her way back to Vianne and her family. At eighteen, impulsive and reckless, Isabelle falls in love with Gäetan, a young idealistic young man she meets on the road and together they decide that they will join the Resistance. But when they arrive at Vianne’s, Gäetan betrays his promise to Isabelle, and leaves her behind.  Undeterred, Isabelle quickly joins the local Resistance, but soon realizes that her outspokenness and her work with the Resistance are endangering her sister and niece. Fearing for their lives, she moves back to Paris and continues her work with the Resistance, risking her life over and over again.

Based on true stories of courageous women who worked for the Resistance throughout Europe during WWII, Hannah has created a sweeping tale of love and courage.  Her profound, empathetic, insights capture the responses of two very different women in very different circumstances, having to confront their own morality and calling forth from within, the courage to do what is right. This is a story of the strength of women; their durability and resiliency in the face of  incredible danger, and their will to survive in the face of enormous odds!

Brenda’s Rating: *****(5 out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Sharon, Marian, Lauren, Ken and Keith.

Book Study Worthy? YES

Read in ebook format.