"The Nightingale", by Kristin Hannah

This epic and breathtaking journey transports us to France during World War 11 and is one of the most powerful stories I have read in a long time. This is one of those unforgettable stories that will leave some a little choked up with its extraordinarily vivid and evocative scenes. The narrative will stay with you for many weeks after turning the last page.

It opens in 1995 with an old woman looking backward at her past and taking us through her life in France during the German occupation and in flashback segments we have a heart-pounding tale of two sisters, Isabella and Vianne, who needed to survive the horrors of war and the devastating choices they learn to make. Which sister is reminiscing, we won’t find out till the very end.

This story is based on a real Belgian woman who did what Isabella (the main player) did. Isabella made a difference by joining the Resistance to shepherd downed Allied airmen across the Pyrenees to Spain and Vianne journey is less dramatic but no less wrenching, risking her life to save many Jewish children from deportation. This character driven novel showcases the actions of women who are willing to risk their lives for children, friends and strangers. Are we heroes or cowards? Are we loyal to the people we love most or do we betray them? These are the questions explored with probing finesse and great heart in “The Nightingale”. There is a lot to this book and is absolutely riveting. Not only it is an emotionally inspiring it is also informative.

This haunting, action-packed and compelling story is a must read book.