The nightingale

Finding Light in Darkness: A Sister's Tale of War and Redemption

The Nightingale was my perfect introduction to Kristin Hannah. It follows sisters Vianne and Isabelle, opposites in ideals, passions, and experience, as they navigate separate, perilous paths in Nazi-occupied France from 1939 through the war’s end. The sisters endure separate trials. Vianne’s husband is sent to war, leaving her to care for their daughter, while Isabelle, the younger sister, quickly joins the underground rebellion. In different ways, both risk their lives to save others.

This story is not just about war but about the strength of sisterhood. It centers on the bond between sisters—growing up together, fighting with and for each other, learning, and loving. Sisters understand, overcome, argue, cry, and love in a way no one else can. As one of four sisters, I’m grateful for the unique dynamics that make our relationships so meaningful—a lifetime of love, challenges, and connection. 

In a word, this book is heroic. Hannah brings to life the untold stories of women in WWII France. From our perspective, 80 years later, joining the resistance may seem like an obvious choice, but the story forces readers to reflect—would we find the same courage Isabelle and Vianne did?

Courage isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s found in small but powerful choices.

My Sisters.

Courtney, Tiffany, and Shelby—thank you for being the best lifelong connections, sisters, and friends. Calling you ‘sister’ is one of my greatest joys.