Setting
Nightingale is set in the time of World War II in France. During the German occupation of France, it was divided into Occupied Zone and Free Zone. Nazis requisitioned everything of value, took over homes to house their officers. Jews were ostracised and sent to concentration camps. This gave birth to the French Resistance movement. Resistance planned and coordinated attacks on Nazis. They also aided Allied forces.
Storyline
The book follows two sisters who were poles apart. Vianne Mauriac, the elder one, was more restrained and homely, while Isabelle was an impetuous and rebellious nineteen-year-old who was not afraid of taking risks. With France run over by the Nazis, Isabelle runs off to join the resistance. She assumes a new identity and runs numerous daring missions right under the noses of Germans. Contrarily, Vianne believed in keeping her head down, while waiting for her husband Antoine's return from the war. For her, the primary concern was to keep her daughter Sophie safe. With time she realises that she can also help in saving other children. She imperils herself to hide the children who else would have been sent to the labour camps.
My Thoughts
After reading umpteen number of books about World War II, there is one thing I have learnt, war is not only about men. Soldiers are not the only heroes of the war, heroes are also the women and children left behind who show exemplary courage. We tend to overlook the crucial role played by women in the war. During the war, valour is not only about facing the enemy on the front. But also keeping the family together and persevering in adverse circumstances. Vianne had to make some tough and undesirable choices. But she does not let that break her spirit and stays tenacious. I was especially impressed by the way the author has shown Isabelle's character growth. In the beginning, she is shown as an immature girl who is not the least mindful of how her actions might affect her family. From an annoying girl, she soon matures into a woman who does not hesitate in risking her life to help others and who believes in freeing her country from Nazi clutches with gusto and great verve. The last part is especially is an emotional roller coaster that moved me to tears. Immaculate storytelling by Kristin Hannah will tug at your heartstrings. It is a beautiful and heartbreaking story that shows the resiliency of the human spirit.
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