Sophie Mauriac: Growing Up in War
The NightingaleThe coming-of-age of Vianne's daughter, who loses her childhood but gains strength.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
The Innocent Child

A Happy Girl
The Picnic
Sophie is eight years old. She loves her father, her teddy bear Bébé. She is carefree.
The Mobilization
Her father leaves for war. She is scared. Vianne tells her Papa will protect them.
The First Nightmares
Sophie starts having nightmares. She clings to Bébé. The war has already begun to steal her childhood.
Witness to Horror

The Occupation
The German in the House
Sophie must live with Captain Beck. She is polite but afraid. Isabelle teaches her to be defiant.
Sarah's Death
Sophie's best friend Sarah is killed. Vianne tells her Sarah is with God. Sophie knows the truth: she was Jewish.
The Yellow Star
Sophie sees Rachel forced to wear the star. She wants to wear one too, to stand with her friend. Vianne says no.
The Protector

Growing Up Fast
Ari's Arrival
Sophie helps care for Ari. She becomes a second mother. She understands the danger.
Von Richter
Sophie sees the bruises on Vianne. She wants to kill Von Richter. Vianne tells her to stay safe.
The End of Childhood
Sophie is no longer a child. She has seen too much. She becomes strong, like her mother.
After the War

The Survivor
The Reunion
Sophie grows up, marries, has a son named Julien. She dies of cancer before her mother.
The Memory
Vianne remembers Sophie as a brave girl. She carries her daughter's love into old age.
The Legacy
Sophie's son Julien learns the truth about his mother's war. He understands her strength.
August 1939
1940 – 1942
1942 – 1944
1945 – 1995