Nightingale

Nightingale is a powerful novel about sex, death, passion, and prejudice in a sleepy village in southern France. Marguerite Demers, a twenty-four-year-old nurse, takes up a job caring for Jerome Lanvier, a powerful man dying alone in his house. The villagers form opinions of Marguerite, with Brigitte Brochon finding her arrogant and mysterious, Suki Lacourse seeing her as an ally, and Henri Brochon feeling concern for her. Henri has a secret of his own that would intrigue and disturb his neighbors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Marguerite Demers, aged 24, embarks on a new journey by leaving Paris and relocating to the tranquil southern village of Saint-Sulpice. Her purpose is to take up a job as a live-in nurse, caring for Jerome Lanvier, a once-influential figure in the village who is now facing the end of his life alone in his expansive and secluded residence, adorned with sprawling gardens. Jerome, known for his manipulative and tyrannical nature, has driven away all his previous nurses. However, it doesn't take long for the villagers to form their opinions about Marguerite. Brigitte Brochon, a prominent community member and local gossipmonger, perceives her as arrogant and mysterious, desperately seeking an excuse to terminate her employment. On the other hand, Suki Lacourse, a glamorous outsider, sees Marguerite as an ally against the narrow-minded provincialism prevalent in the village. Henri Brochon, Brigitte's husband and a local farmer, expresses genuine concern for Marguerite and desires to shield her from the intrusive gossip and speculation surrounding her. Yet, Henri harbours a secret of his own that would intrigue and disturb his neighbours, just as much as the truth about Marguerite, if only they were aware.

Nestled amidst the lush fields and serene olive groves of southern France, Nightingale unfolds in clear and captivating prose, evoking a sense of beauty and serenity. This masterful novel delves into profound themes such as death, sexuality, compassion, prejudice, and freedom. Through the intricate portrayal of Marguerite and the villagers, it explores the complexities of human relationships and the search for understanding and acceptance.

Marguerite's arrival in Saint-Sulpice stirs up a mixture of curiosity and apprehension among the villagers. Her enigmatic presence captivates Brigitte Brochon, who becomes determined to uncover any hidden secrets or flaws that might justify her termination. Meanwhile, Suki Lacourse sees Marguerite as a kindred spirit, someone who challenges the status quo. Henri Brochon, torn between his concern for Marguerite and his own secret, finds himself caught in a web of intrigue and suspicion.

As Marguerite begins to care for Jerome, she gradually unravels the mysteries surrounding his life and his relationship with the villagers. She discovers that Jerome was once a powerful man who wielded influence over the community, but his downfall was caused by a scandal that tarnished his reputation. Despite his past mistakes, Marguerite finds herself drawn to Jerome, sensing a deep sense of pain and loneliness within him.

As the villagers continue to speculate and gossip about Marguerite, tensions rise within the community. Brigitte Brochon becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth about her, while Suki Lacourse becomes a fierce advocate for Marguerite's rights. Henri Brochon, caught between his loyalty to his wife and his growing affection for Marguerite, struggles to find a balance between his responsibilities and his desires.

Nightingale is a captivating tale that explores the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the search for redemption. It sheds light on the power of compassion, the importance of understanding, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through its vivid characters and evocative prose, the novel invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they have made.

In conclusion, Nightingale is a remarkable novel that delves into the depths of human existence. Written with passion and precision, it offers a profound exploration of death, sexuality, compassion, prejudice, and freedom. Set against the backdrop of a sleepy village in southern France, the story unfolds with a sense of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Through its characters, themes, and evocative prose, Nightingale invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the importance of empathy and understanding. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to touch our hearts and minds.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 159 x 313 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008326500