With all of that said, I still found this to be a worthy read. I love the thought of living a simpler life—although probably not realistic for this city girl—and spending a bit of time in Alaska proved to be eye-opening and even sort of refreshing. A huge thank you to the Mimi from Goodreads for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review! Cora will do anything for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown. Thirteen-year-old Leni, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, has little choice but to go along, daring to hope this new land promises her family a better future.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if it means following him into the unknown.The Allbright’s settle in and Leni starts to wonder if things might actually be okay. Unfortunately, it’s not long before she sees things haven’t changed. In fact, things seem to be getting worse. Good for you! I truly believe that if you have the desire to write a novel, you can find the ability. It's really a question of timing and dedication and commitment. And it's fabulous to know that so early in life. I'm assuming you are a voracious re Leni is finally able to tell him about their son. She says she wants them to raise MJ together. Matthew tells Leni he still loves her. Expect to devour The Nightingale in as few sittings as possible; the high-stakes plot and lovable characters won’t allow any rest until all of their fates are known.” — Shelf Awareness

Alaska isn't about who you were when you headed this way. It's about who you become. You are out here in the wild, girls. That isn't some fable or fairy tale. It's real. Hard. Winter will be here soon, and believe me, it's not like any winter you've ever experienced. It will cull the herd, and fast. You need to know how to survive." Marge shows up, bringing along Natalie Watkins and Geneva Walker, to help make the place live-able. The need a greenhouse and a food storage area (cache) at least. They get to work, and Marge tells them they need to learn how to shoot as well. Hannah had initially written a whole draft of a thriller with the same characters trying to solve a crime that had taken place in the past, [3] but during revisions only kept the 1970s Alaska setting; then started writing a first-person point-of-view novel from a teenage narrator. [2] Reception [ edit ] I’m so glad you found your way here. The Nightingale is a book that really means a lot to me. To be completely honest with you, I Hello and welcome!Winter pushes the Allbrights to their limits, and Ernt's mental state begins to deteriorate more and more. Leni realizes that her father is dangerous and she can't understand why her mother continues to stay with him, to even provoke his moods somewhat, and yet refuse to leave when things get bad. And they get bad, with increasing frequency. But Leni knows that she cannot leave her mother, or she might not be able to save her. Then Dad went off to Vietnam and got shot down and captured. Without him, Mama fell apart; that was when Leni first understood her mother’s fragility. They drifted for a while, she and Mama, moved from job to job and town to town until they finally found a home in a commune in Oregon. There, they tended beehives and made lavender sachets to sell at the farmers’ market and protested the war. Mama changed her personality just enough to fit in. Cora was engaged in a continual quest to find herself — taking spiritual workshops and human potential courses. Sure- when you’re hurting - seeking help and support makes sense.

Leni was truly an amazing main character. I couldn't look away. I was constantly cheering and gasping at what Leni lived through. They hear on the radio that some people are lost (Geneva and Matthew) and go to join the search party. Finally, they find Matthew, but he tells them his mom has fallen through the ice. She's gone. The film rights have been acquired and a scriptwriter is attached to the project. Who’s in the cast? Sure, Dad lost his temper sometimes and he yelled and they never had enough money and they moved all the time to distance themselves from creditors, but that was their way, and they loved each other.This epic atmospheric novel examines humans' will to endure the unthinkable." — Real Simple magazine Leni shook her head, feeling a familiar sadness creep in. She could never tell him how it felt to live with a dad who scared you so much sometimes and a mother who loved him too much and made him prove how much he loved her in dangerous ways.’ (p.71) The family is hopeful when they first arrive in the small outpost of Kaneq, but as the days shorten and the sky darkens when winter approaches, Ernst’s temper and volatile impulses re-emerge. Alaska is beautifully described in this book. It is as dangerous as it is beautiful, and it’s a hard slog to live there. ‘How could a place be as alive as Alaska, as beautiful and cruel?’ (p.299)