The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

Although Kristin Hannah had already found commercial success as the author of popular romances, her 2015 historical novel The Nightingale was a major breakout success, having sold in excess of 4.5 million copies worldwide. Based on a true story, the novel centres on two sisters who make very different decisions after the occupation of France: one takes up with a German officer to ensure the safety of her family, while another throws herself into work for the Resistance. A long-awaited film adaptation starring real-life sisters Elle and Dakota Fanning has been postponed several times, but as of 2025 was still in development by TriStar.