novellenovels's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
samstillreading's review against another edition
5.0
The Nightingales series is one of my favourite comfort reads, so it’s with some trepidation that I’m catching up all too quickly! (There’s only one more book after this one currently available). In the sixth book, things turn from awful to much worse for the poor staff as they are caught in London’s Blitz during World War II. (The hospital is in the East End, so they are copping a lot of bombs uncomfortably often). The book has a higher casualty count than usual, with some familiar characters caught in the crossfire. This also made it a bit more of a tear jerker for me! But overall, the story was exciting and it was interesting to read about the war from the hospital/nursing staff’s point of view.
The high point on opening Nightingales at War was that Dora was back! She’s one of my favourite characters – honest, plucky and not one to shy away from a fight. Dora’s married now with twins, but she wants to help the war effort and get her mind off worrying about husband Nick. Working in a ward of injured soldiers probably isn’t the best place to do that, but Dora’s thinks she’s tough. There are a few wobbles along the way and some major drama that will shake her faith. But knowing Dora, we know that she will pull through.
The other major characters in this book are new VADs. Jennifer and Cissy are best friends, who think that working in the hospital will be a bit of a lark in between nights dancing with handsome soldiers. I can’t say that I liked either of them at first. Jennifer is self-centred, caring about nothing but men and looking pretty. (And this is in the middle of a world war!) Unfortunately she will soon be in the thick of things, and have to learn a lesson or two. After some disastrous events and Jennifer’s compassion for a wounded soldier, I did like her more as a character. Cissy was more in the background – she appeared to be Jennifer’s follower, doing whatever she did. Hence she was a lot nicer towards the end of the book and even stood up to her!
Eve is the other new VAD and she’s worlds apart from Jennifer and Cissy. She lives a tortured life under the thumb of her aunt, believing herself to be unworthy of…anything really. But she shines at her VAD duties and there are people who want to help her. Unfortunately, she’s also the victim of bullying from Jennifer and Cissy. But Eve’s growing a backbone and she might just surprise everyone…
In between this, the Nightingale Hospital is hit by bombs several times. Regrettably not everyone gets through unscathed, but the nurses show devotion at all times, even as the wards move to the basement! It’s not pleasant (actually, it’s downright scary) but I found their ingenuity inspiring. I love this series- the Nightingales never fail to give me a great story, full of emotion.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The high point on opening Nightingales at War was that Dora was back! She’s one of my favourite characters – honest, plucky and not one to shy away from a fight. Dora’s married now with twins, but she wants to help the war effort and get her mind off worrying about husband Nick. Working in a ward of injured soldiers probably isn’t the best place to do that, but Dora’s thinks she’s tough. There are a few wobbles along the way and some major drama that will shake her faith. But knowing Dora, we know that she will pull through.
The other major characters in this book are new VADs. Jennifer and Cissy are best friends, who think that working in the hospital will be a bit of a lark in between nights dancing with handsome soldiers. I can’t say that I liked either of them at first. Jennifer is self-centred, caring about nothing but men and looking pretty. (And this is in the middle of a world war!) Unfortunately she will soon be in the thick of things, and have to learn a lesson or two. After some disastrous events and Jennifer’s compassion for a wounded soldier, I did like her more as a character. Cissy was more in the background – she appeared to be Jennifer’s follower, doing whatever she did. Hence she was a lot nicer towards the end of the book and even stood up to her!
Eve is the other new VAD and she’s worlds apart from Jennifer and Cissy. She lives a tortured life under the thumb of her aunt, believing herself to be unworthy of…anything really. But she shines at her VAD duties and there are people who want to help her. Unfortunately, she’s also the victim of bullying from Jennifer and Cissy. But Eve’s growing a backbone and she might just surprise everyone…
In between this, the Nightingale Hospital is hit by bombs several times. Regrettably not everyone gets through unscathed, but the nurses show devotion at all times, even as the wards move to the basement! It’s not pleasant (actually, it’s downright scary) but I found their ingenuity inspiring. I love this series- the Nightingales never fail to give me a great story, full of emotion.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
leighannsherwin's review
5.0
This book picks up right where the last one left off. The so called phony war has lulled people into a false sense of security. Churchill has just become Prime Minister and all eyes are across the channel as Hitler and his army take country after country aiming right for England. The Nightingale remains open but changed. A lot of the long term patients are in the country and many of the doctors, nurses and porters have joined the fight. Helen continues her work as the head nurse in casualty and tries unsuccessfully to keep her relationship with Dr. McKay secret. Dora now a married woman and mother of twins gets her old job back working the wards but nearly suffers a complete breakdown when the Dunkirk casualties start to come in. Matron Fox remains at the helm a woman ahead of her time she values not just the health of the patients but that of her staff, including their mental health. She continues to butt heads with Assistant Matron Hanley as always. There are three new arrivals as well, Jennifer and Sissy who join up in the hopes of tending wounded soldiers soonlearn there is more to the job than that and will be forever changed by their experiences at the Nightingale especially during the blitz. Eve is a shy promising young VAD stuck living with her brutally abusive aunt but who begins to learn about her true self and worth through her work. All I can say about this book is wow. What a complete roller coaster. As with other wartime books this once doesn't sugar coat things. There are deaths of two fairly significant characters, plenty of drama, and for me at least a few tears. I can't wait to see what else this war has in store for the Nightingale. My wish and hope is that Millie will return, I miss having her around. For now though I'm excited to see Dora and the three new girls continue to grow learn and evolve as they struggle to survive the war.
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