‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah

In love we find out who we want to be. In war we find out who we are.

Two sisters caught in the turmoil of the second World War–one who follows the rules and one who rebels. Both become extraordinary workers in the resistance movement in occupied France and find out what it can take to survive but also find the strength to help others. They have opportunities to be heroic and brave, they are faced with terrible choices between evils which will continue to haunt them, but mostly they display the remarkable courage it takes to simply put one foot in front of the other and somehow make it through another difficult day.

This novel is not just another war story but one with a focus on women in war. I loved how the book explores the tough choices and challenges of everyday citizens caught in a horrific situation. I loved how different the sisters were, each choosing their own unique path. I loved the ending and found this a compelling and satisfying read, much like Tatiana de Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key.