“Love has to be stronger than hate, or there is no future for us.” – p. 410
Hello Readers,
I have always found historical fiction to be a “hit-or-miss” kind of genre. Some authors are able to capture the essence of a time period or an event the reader is familiar with and go on to weave a beautiful narrative into the setting. Other authors struggle to capture a time period and end up writing an interesting story that is divorced from the period it takes place in. Kristin Hannah belongs to the former group of authors.
In her most recent novel, The Nightingale (one of our February Picks), Kristin Hannah wrote about two sisters and their struggle for survival in France during World War II. The women suffer loss on every page – food, furniture, precious mementos, family, friends, and lovers. As the war progressed, Hannah showed the evolution of the Nazi regime in France. Experiencing the harshness of the Nazi regime through Vianne and Isabelle was almost unbelievable.
What I particularly loved about this story was the understated way Hannah showed the strength of the female characters. I often find that female characters are portrayed as one of two extremes – pathetic, petty, and weak or obstinate, headstrong, and obnoxious. In Vianne and Isabelle, I think Hannah did a beautiful job painting strong, complex women without having to tell the reader that they were strong and complex. Their strength, the way they bore the trials and tragedies laid at their doors, was inspiring.
I am hesitant to discuss much of the story for fear of spoiling it for you, but there were times in the book where I was moved close to tears. The sacrifices both women made to protect not only their immediate family, but their fellow man was a true demonstration of love and compassion in a time of wide-spread hate and brutality.
This was my first experience with Kristin Hannah and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Did you get a chance to read it? What is your reaction? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and be sure to tag your copy of the book on instagram with #TWTBookshelf.
Live, Love, Learn,
Candice & The Write Teacher(s)