The Nightingale: by Kristin Hannah | Summary & Analysis

This is a Summary & Analysis of The Nightingale. New York Times Best Selling Author Kristin Hannah exposes the horrors of World War II in France. She uses the small town of Carriveau as a main setting that dramatically contrasts with the evil that is about to come to a country that has surrendered to the Nazis, and is now being occupied. The novel also develops the story of two courageous sisters who, ironically, get to come together to join forces in a time when hope, faith, and unity are lost. This powerful novel has non-stop action, realistic characters, a strong line of themes and situations that are believable. The historical context within which the novel takes place is accurate.

It is 1939 France. It is the period when the country surrenders to the Germans, and the Nazi regime begins its occupation. While the city of Paris takes in most of the heat, the quiet village of Carriveau is on the brink of changing forever. The once peaceful and bucolic town has turned into a horrific show of airplanes, war tanks, bombs, and the scary sight of Nazis from the SS, the Gestapo and the regular Wehrmacht all over. Vianne Mauriac, the young wife of a recently drafted soldier, is obligated to host a Nazi in her home while the war goes on. Her younger 18 year-old sister, the impetuous Isabelle, chooses the dangerous path of joining the French Resistance and risking everything in the process: her life, her safety, and her emotions.

This companion to The Nightingale also includes the following:
• Book Review
• Story Setting Analysis
• Story elements you may have missed as we decipher the novel
• Details of Characters & Key Character Analysis
• Summary of the text, with some analytical comments interspersed
• Discussion & Analysis of Themes, Symbols…
• And Much More!

This Analysis of The Nightingale fills the gap, making you understand more while enhancing your reading experience.

The novel is framed in 1995, where a now elderly and ill Vianne is a widow moving into assisted living. When memories of the war come to her, the narrative reverts back to 1939 France, at the time that the country surrenders to the Nazi occupation. Aside from Paris, the village of Carriveau serves as the main setting for the story to develop. The once quiet town has turned chaotic under a spell of Nazi soldiers that bully and abuse the French. Other places cited include Spain, the Pyrenees, and Germany.

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members.