This novel was so amazingly beautiful. It has definitely made it to the list of my favourite books of all time, and I will recommend it until I turn blue.

We follow two sisters in the lead up, and during, the Second World War. They are very different, in both age and personality, yet both manage to have an inspiring impact on the events of the war in France. We also follow another character, set in the 1990s, and we don't learn her name until the very last chapter - this was a heartbreaking twist for me.

Isabelle is the youngest of the sisters, and much more rebellious than her sister. We learn that she has felt unsettled for her entire life, and at 18 she is once again heading back to the father that doesn't want her.

Vianne is the older of the two sisters, and must live with a husband fighting in the French army, a budding-teenage daughter, a Jewish best friend, and her home being taken over by the German army. We get the vibe that she has had to be responsible for Isabelle from a young age after the death of their mother, and that their relationship is rather strained because of it.

I can't say much without spoilers, but I loved the strength of the women in this book. Each takes a stand for their country and the people they love in such a different, but equally important way. Both impact the lives around them for the better, and it takes an outrageous amount of strength and courage for them to succeed.

This book was truly a powerful read - the emotions I felt while reading it were unmatched by anything I've read in a very long time. If you're a fan on historical fiction, you definitely need to add this to your To Be Read list. You'll be very happy you did.

5