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The Nightingale

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The Nightingale

Written by: Kristin Hannah
Narrated by: Polly Stone
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About this listen

A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK

A #1
New York Times bestseller, Wall Street Journal Best Book of the Year, and soon to be a major motion picture, this unforgettable novel of love and strength in the face of war has enthralled a generation.

With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of World War II and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women's war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France—a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.

Goodreads Best Historical Novel of the Year • People's Choice Favorite Fiction Winner • #1 Indie Next Selection • A Buzzfeed and The Week Best Book of the Year

Praise for The Nightingale:

"Haunting, action-packed, and compelling." —Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Absolutely riveting!...Read this book." —Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff, Director of the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute

©2015 Kristin Hannah (P)2015 Macmillan Audio
20th Century Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Tearjerking War France Resilience Holocaust
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Editorial Review

When a family is torn apart by World War II, it is up to sisters Vianne and Isabelle to keep their loved ones safe during total destruction.

Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale is a touching story about family, love and keeping the human spirit alive in the worst possible situation. In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac bids adieu to her husband, Antoine, as he heads to fight on the frontlines of World War II. Vianne is ignorant in thinking the Nazis will not invade France, but they do—bombing and killing innocent civilians. When a Nazi commander occupies Vianne’s home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Vianne is placed in an unimaginable scenario and must make life-changing decisions to keep her family safe and alive.

Vianne’s younger sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious 18-year-old searching for a purpose in life, all while maintaining the uncontrollable passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gäetan, who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and, swept up by their passion, the two fall in love. When Gäetan betrays her, Isabelle joins the French Resistance, risking her life to keep other innocent people safe.

Vianne’s younger sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious 18-year-old searching for a purpose in life, all while maintaining the uncontrollable passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gäetan, who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and, swept up by their passion, the two fall in love. When Gäetan betrays her, Isabelle joins the French Resistance, risking her life to keep other innocent people safe.

In this stunning work of historical fiction, bestselling author Kristin Hannah presents a gripping portrait of World War II heroines, detailing the untold story of the women who fought at home while men fought on the front lines. At its heart, The Nightingale audiobook tells the stories of two sisters who, despite their differences, share a common goal: protecting their family and the French people from the Nazis. Narrated by Polly Stone with great emotion, The Nightingale is the perfect historical novel to be enjoyed as part of a book club or with your loved ones.

Featured Article: Historical Fiction Listens with Strong and Inspiring Female Protagonists


History teaches us what happened; historical fiction novels let us feel what happened. Without female protagonists in these historical fiction books, we’re only getting half the picture of what it might have been like to live through different time periods. Whether it’s a historical romance set hundreds of years ago or a twentieth-century drama based on actual events, discover listens that are both heartbreaking and humbling as female characters lead the way.

What listeners say about The Nightingale

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A must read

Loved every chaptert. Couldn't stop listening to it. I highly recommend it and they was never a dull moment.

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A wonderful audio book

I resisted purchasing this audible book as I did not think I would enjoy a book about war. However I took a chance based on all of the positive reviews. I was drawn into the characters lives and the story of what life was like for people in France during World War II. The author described the hardships in such a way that I understood with more clarity than any history lesson had ever taught me. The excellent narration really made the story come to life.

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Excellent book

I LOVED this book. Strong female characters, and the plot line gripped me the whole way through.

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beautiful -

words fail me....
A beautiful story of sisters in impossible times, facing impossible adversity and still pushing on, as women do.

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Incredible, harrowing book

Evocative book about the vast horrors of Nazi Germany read by an amazingly emotive narrator

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An incredible story

I ended up listening to the Nightingale every chance I could. Such a captivating story, brought me to tears a few times at the end. It took me a while to get into the story but worth it in the end.

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The. Best. Book. Ever.

I loved everything about this novel. The story, the narration, the characters, the ending. This is a must read. This one will stick with me for a while. Maybe forever.

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Fantastic

Absolutely loved this book. The narrator was able to bring each character alive. Definitely a favorite!!! Incredible story line!!!

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Disappear into a story

I so enjoyed being wrapped up in this story of courageous people. Inspiring and educational. a beautiful story of how to keep going when your whole world is threatened.

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A lesson in history and life

A moving story with beautiful narration. Couldn't stop listening. Felt like I was in a movie.

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