75 pages • 2 hours read
Kristin HannahThe Nightingale
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
HL740L