The Nightingale: Chapter 23 Summary & Analysis

After Vianne finishes burying Sarah, she is emotionally and physically exhausted. She wishes that Antoine was by her side so that he could help her make decisions. She no longer trusts herself to keep her loved ones safe in a world that is so cruel and violent. Vianne returns to her home, where she finds Beck, who has waited up for her. Beck seems worried, though he is happy to see Vianne return home safely.

The following day, Vianne and Sophie go into town to run their usual errands. While they are there, Vianne doesn’t do anything to let Sophie know that something is wrong. She wants to give her daughter one more morning of innocence before she reveals what happened the night before. Shortly after Vianne and Sophie arrive home, Sophie asks Vianne if she can go spend time with Sarah. At this point, Vianne realizes that she cannot hide the truth from her daughter any longer and tells her what happened. Sarah is devastated and angry when she learns the news. Vianne suggests that they tie some cloth around a tree branch right next to where they placed some yarn in honor of Antoine. However, she knows that this gesture will do little to ease Sophie’s suffering.

After her talk with Sophie, Vianne goes to the barn and helps Rachel out of the cellar. Rachel needs to use the bathroom, and Vianne thinks that the coast is clear. However, before Rachel can get to safety, French policemen arrest her and put her into a car. Vianne follows the car into town, refusing to leave Rachel’s side. After what happened the night before, Vianne can no longer afford to play it safe.

The car takes Rachel to the train station where she is to be sent away. At the train station, Vianne spots Beck clutching a whip. The sight disgusts her. Rachel asks Vianne to take Ari so that he doesn’t have to go wherever Rachel is being sent. Vianne knows that taking Ari is the right thing to do, so she agrees. Moments later, Rachel is gone, and Vianne heads home with Ari in her arms. When she arrives, she explains to Sophie what has happened. She also tells her that Ari will stay with them from then on.

That evening, Vianne takes some lace from her dress and ties it to a tree branch in honor of Rachel. Soon after, Beck shows up, and Vianne treats him callously. Beck tells Vianne that the war has put him in uncomfortable positions as well. He also reminds her that he did his best to save Rachel. Additionally, Beck informs Vianne that they will need to do something about Ari. If they don’t, then he will most likely be deported as well. Vianne believes that Beck wants to help her, and for a moment, the two of them seem like they are on the verge of sharing a kiss. However, before anything can happen, Vianne pushes Beck away from her.