Vivienne "Viann" Mauriac is guest of honor at a reception in Paris honoring The Nightingale, a woman who, through her bravery, made many trips across the Pyrenees mountains savings over a hundred soldiers from America and Britain from sure death by the Nazis.

Always a rebellious young woman seeking a purpose in her life, Viann's sister, Isabelle Rossignol was THE NIGHTINGALE. Speaking before an overflowing hall of people about Isabelle and the way life was in Paris in the 40's during the French invasion by Germany, the now old woman relives the horrors of that lifetime. Attending the meeting with Viann, Julien sees this brave woman as someone other than just the mother who has cared for him throughout his life.

It's 1939 France and the beginning of Vivienne (Viann) Mauriac 's nightmare. Living in her family home in the village of Carriveau, her husband Antoine and daughter Sophie, then eight years old, deny that Germany can ever occupy France. The horrors begin when the men are called to war and Viann, along with all the other women, are left to face the Nazi's invasion into their homes and lives. Witnessing the suffering and abuse keeps fear in their hearts every day they struggle to survive at the hands of their captors. While Viann is doing what is forced upon her to keep her and Sophie alive, starvation is reality for everyone in the village. Unrealized horrors of murder of women and children, rape and starvation, are set upon them while Isabelle is secretly supporting her country behind the scenes.

The brave and determined young woman suffers at the hands of the Germans and takes everything they deal her without ever losing her courage and commitment to her country and family. Viann knows nothing of her sister's bravery, until it is nearly too late to repair their differences. With Viann's house occupied by a German officer, she is forced to adhere to the enemy's demands to save her daughter's life. Viann is also a brave woman, secretly doing her own part for her beloved country.

THE NIGHTINGALE is one of the most nostalgic tearjerkers I have ever read. The deep-rooted and emotionally tragic story of the events surrounding WWII and the invasion by Germany is something that will stay with the reader the rest of their life. The persecution of the Jews is such an injustice it makes your heart bleed to read of what they suffered at the hands of the Germans. Few books have driven home the absolute atrocities brought on by war and the individual impact on women and their lives. Men have always been noted for their bravery, but the women bore their own sacrifices, seldom given credit for.

THE NIGHTINGALE will be sure to strike your heart and compassion for these brave women willing to do anything in an effort to protect their own. Kristin Hannah never ceases to amaze me with her heartrending stories. She is, and always will be, one of my very favorite authors.