“In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are”
Synopsis:
Despite their differences, 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 child. But when the Second World War breaks out and Antoine is conscripted to fight, Isabelle is sent to the country by her father to help Vianne.
As the war develops, the strength of the sisters’ relationship is put to the test. With life changing, and confronted by unbelievable horros, Vianne and Isabelle find themselves responding in ways they never thought possible, as bravery and resistance take differing forms for each of the two sisters.
Vivid and exquisite in its illumination of a time and place defined by atrocity, but also humanity and courage, Kristin Hannah’s novel will provoke thought and discussion after readers turn the final page.
Rating: 5 Stars (Must read!)
My thoughts:
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while. Everyone told me I would love it and it seems like one of the most liked historical fiction books, which is one of my favorite genres. I always go in hesitant about super hyped books and I think that’s the reason why it took me so long to pick this one up. I’m so glad I did! I definitely lived up to the hype for me. But what else can I say that hasn’t been said already about this beautiful, heartbreaking story?
It was a slow start (but you kind of expect a that of historical fiction) however, the last 100 pages are so heartbreaking and packed with so much that when I got to that point I couldn’t stop reading. I cried so much!! Get your tissues ready.
I loved the writing, it sucked me right in and I loved the alternating POV to 1995. You can’t tell who the narrator is for that POV and it kept me guessing. This is a story of sisterhood. There are love stories included but that’s not what the book is about. It’s about two very different sisters, how they react to the war and about survival. I loved reading about women’s involvement in WWII.
