The Nightingale

This book absolutely earned itself the coveted 5-star rating - I haven’t felt this moved, this changed by a book in a long time. You know that feeling when a story completely shifts your world view, tilts the axis in which you perceive? This book did that for me.

There’s so much to say and not nearly enough brain space to say it all, but I’ll do my best to summarize: imagine the storyline of the Titanic (1997 film) where a wizened protagonist reflects back on how a life-altering, tremendously traumatic event shaped her journey - filled with self-love, romantic love, and even personal growth? Now, shift the context to the Holocaust and tell the story through the eyes of two sisters. That’s Nightingale.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with such well-developed side characters, a gripping plot, and deeply compelling character growth. And the vivid descriptions of life in the French countryside? Oui! Absolutely stunning. For all the accolades this book has, it definitely deserves them and more.

Note: please look up a list of trigger warnings for this book before you read it, there are many that this book touches on (and some in depth).