Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale is a historical fiction novel that follows two young adults in the midst of World War II. The story shifts between Paris and a small French town, capturing the life of two sisters. Vianne attempts to survive the war and protect her daughter while avoiding trouble from the Nazi regime in Nazi-occupied France. Her younger sister Isabelle refuses to remain silent or complicit and joins the resistance.

Vianne is a very dynamic character – in the start of the book she is characterized as a quiet and passive woman who dreads loss, leading to her protective nature over her young daughter Sophie. Throughout the story and the evolution of World War II, she begins to take on the nature of a more mature woman who no longer keeps her head down but actively fights for survival. 

To contrast Vianne, Isabelle is a valiant character from the beginning, refusing to let the Nazis dictate their lives in France or harm the lives of others. She begins working for the resistance to fight back, adding a sense of tension or urgency to the novel. Despite her boldness, her vulnerability shows through constantly, reminding the audience that she is still a young woman through her incessant struggle with feeling loved. 

The two sisters have a strange but realistic relationship — Vianne constantly pushes Isabelle away from her family while Isabelle pines for the feeling of familial bonds and belonging. This is my favorite part of the book because it demonstrates the effect of war on relationships. Their relationship is strained by past abandonment and fear, creating a realistic dynamic between the characters. This struggle in their connection makes their personal journeys feel more realistic and emotional. The characters speak and act in ways that are authentic, the raw emotions in their dialogue and interactions make them feel almost tangible.

Overall, this is an incredibly good read for those interested in historical fiction novels. It was insightful and introduced me to perspectives in the war that I had not considered while also remaining historically accurate in its portrayal of events.