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The Nightingale

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

608

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 1940s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL740L

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Super Short Summary

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in France during World War II, inspired by the life of Andrée de Jongh. It tells the story of two sisters, Isabelle and Vianne, who navigate survival under Nazi occupation. Vianne stays in the countryside caring for her daughter, while Isabelle joins the resistance and leads downed Allied pilots to safety. The narrative highlights themes of family loyalty, resilience, and the human spirit amidst wartime challenges. The novel addresses sensitive topics, including war violence and sexual assault.

Emotional

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Melancholic

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.7

1,851,312 ratings

93%

Loved it

5%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale is celebrated for its emotional depth and compelling portrayal of two sisters navigating World War II. Readers praise its vivid storytelling and well-researched historical context. Some critique the pacing and predictability, but overall, it’s hailed as a poignant, immersive read that vividly brings history to life.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Nightingale?

A reader who enjoys The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah likely appreciates historical fiction centered on strong female protagonists. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, with their intertwining personal narratives set against the backdrop of WWII, will find this emotionally rich story compelling.

4.7

1,851,312 ratings

93%

Loved it

5%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

608

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • 1940s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL740L

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