Book Summary - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

In this episode of Literature on the Rocks…

We’re diving deep into The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a novel that shattered our hearts in the best way. This sweeping story of love, survival, and resilience during World War II had us reflecting on the unimaginable sacrifices made during wartime—especially by women. We discuss how the war changed everything, from the simplicity of life before the occupation to the brutal realities people faced as it raged on.

As moms, we couldn’t help but zero in on the theme of motherhood—what it meant for Vianne to protect her child in a world falling apart, how fear shaped her decisions, and why just showing up can be the bravest thing of all. Meanwhile, Isabelle’s reckless courage had us questioning—was she fearless or just young and stubborn? (Spoiler: maybe both.)

Oh, and we should probably issue an apology in advance for our very questionable French accents. We tried. We failed. But at least we had fun butchering the pronunciation together!

To pair with this incredible story, we’re sipping on La Résistance—a twist on a French 75 that’s bold, elegant, and a little rebellious (just like Isabelle).

La Résistance Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Cognac

• ½ oz St-Germain

• ½ oz Lemon juice

• ¼ oz Honey syrup

• 2 oz Champagne

• Lemon twist

Directions:

start by combining Cognac, St-Germain, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top it off with Champagne for a touch of elegance and finish with a lemon twist garnish.

Raise a glass and join us as we unpack The Nightingale—a story of courage, love, and the quiet acts of heroism that history often overlooks.