Book Review:  The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah has done it once again in her latest book The Nightingale. It tells the story of Vianne Mauriac and Isabelle Rossignol who are drawn into the horrors of World War II in France. Vianne is reserved and quiescent, a mother with a daughter and husband at the front. Isabelle is her rebellious and spirited younger hungry for a way to help drive the Nazis out of her beloved France and will stop at nothing to do this. As the story unfolds both will be forced to go to extraordinary lengths not just to help the war effort, but to survive their own private nightmares. This was both an easy and extraordinarily difficult book too read because the brutality that the characters had to survive was inexplicably horrific beyond imagination. The plot unfolds pulling the reader into the time period sparing no details of the misery experienced and the lengths that are taken to not only survive but to save others. If you enjoy Kristin Hannah's books this one is not to be missed.  If she is anew author for you, get ready for a journey to the heart of what it means to be human, and to want to live.

Review by Karen

Island Bliss?

What could be more wonderful that traveling to Mallorca for a family vacation? The Post family from NYC has invited family friends to share in their island retreat. But is everything idyllic?

For Jim and Franny Post, this is a celebration of 35 years together but the couple are at odds over an recent event that has thrown their relationship off course. Franny, the planner of the bunch, is concerned with putting together meals and day trips to avoid the unspoken elephant in the room. Jim is questioning his choices and wondering where life will go from here.

The recent grad Sylvia is relieved to be out of the city and is looking forward to escaping to college. Bobby, the son who has relocated to Florida, brings his unpopular girlfriend to add fuel to the already simmering emotions.

On the surface, everything is fine. What lies beneath is the true tale.

Pick up The Vacationers for a contemplative read.

Review by Cara