Kristin Hannah l The nightingale l Winter Book club

I finished the first two chapters, and will read chapter 3 a little later.

Got through the first three chapters.

Kristin Hannah has set the stage for a dramatic tale. Her writing style is complete- very descriptive and detailed.

The first three chapters delineated the historical background and tone the story will take. I have always loved writers who take the pain to describe their settings vividly; then I can visualise the world they have created in my mind- filling in the details that make the characters so much more real.

Her writing style is also suitable in that it helps to understand a landscape we are unfamiliar with. I liked how vividly she described everything- from the settee in the living room to the flavours of the French food that waft through the kitchen.

Clearly, while Vianne's world is set in the idyllic French countryside, there is something ominous lurking on the horizon. No wonder the author gives us an intimate view of the small but more than complete life Vianne, her husband Antoine and daughter Sophie lead. It is about to be interrupted.

Vianne is a damaged soul- her small family is extremely important to her 'cause of how her father abandoned her and her 4 year old sister once their beloved Maman (mother) died. She wants to convince herself that the Maginot Line will stand and her life will not be torn apart by war like it once was. Though unsaid, it's clear she doesn't want Antoine to turn into her father, Julien- ravaged by war to the point he cannot be a husband or father anymore.

Coming back to the first chapter, an unnamed narrator is introduced who has a Julien in her life- a son who is taking care of her as she battles a terminal disease.

Are Vianne's father Julien and this Julien connected? Only time will tell.

There is another character in the confines of a yellowed identity card in the narrator's attic- Juliette Gervaise. Who is she? Why is the narrator so affected by her and what she represents about her past?

Chapter 3 shows us Vianne and her family readying for war- all men aged 18-35 have been drafted into battle. Vianne is trying her best to hold up; convincing Antoine and maybe herself that he will be back in no time. The other possibility is too horrible to consider. The countryside rolls by as they drive to their destination where many families weep while bidding their young men goodbye.

In that moment, Vianne feels the all-conquering love she shares with Antoine might be too small to beat war. Vianne and little Sophie watch- as Antoine disappears into the throng of uniformed men.

Is the disappearance literal as well as metaphoric? Is this the last we are seeing of Antoine?

okay this can be used as a temporary cc

Olllaaa. I legit had a panic attack.

Thank you, Pom.

Originally posted by: -Ara-

Olllaaa. I legit had a panic attack.

🤗

we are used to this. our previous CC was was locked three times before we finally gave up. that is the thing about IF unfortunately.