The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Despite their differences, sisters Vianne and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Vianne finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her.

As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength are tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Vianne and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.

A novel that sets itself in a very stereotyped occupied France... It's an american fantasy of France. I couldn't believe in any of the characters, seems like the author's tried to make them deep and driven by strong emotions, but I felt it rang shallow, too forced and clumsy. The storylines are all too similar to many other tales of WW2, and could have been successful, if written with more personality and a unique angle.
Plus... some parts don't even make sense : anachronisms, sudden impossible change of sceneries, inconsistencies... :(

One line saves the start of the book though :
“I reach for the hanging handle that controls the attic steps. The stairs unfold from the ceiling like a gentleman extending his hand.”
Brilliant image. :)

i can see the appeal just not for me

Good and quite emotionally charged - and what a surprise at the end - but I found aspects hard to believe and the writing overly cliched.

What an amazing read. This book had me on the tips of my toes the entire time - filled with characters I wanted to see thrive, locations that seemed so realistic and well described I could visualize them. Was so invested in the story that the last third of the novel had me crying every other page. Highly, highly recommended, especially if you enjoy historical fiction.