The Women: A Novel

War, Love, Family, Friendship—A Story Well Told The Women, by Kristin Hannah focuses on Frankie McGrath, an idealistic, but naïve, young (21 years old when we meet her) nurse who decides to enlist in the US Army so that she can serve as a nurse in Vietnam at the height of the Vietnam war. She has absolutely no idea what she’s getting into and her basic training doesn’t come close to preparing her for what she is about to encounter. Her time in Vietnam is harrowing. Hannah gives us a deep dive into the geography, climate, wartime conditions, abject fear, and gut-wrenching conditions of the hospitals. Let’s just say, it is all awful. At the same time, she makes friends with nurses and others with whom she forms close bonds. In addition and not surprisingly, several men focus intently on her and her relationships with them are as life altering as her time in Vietnam. She was as prepared to deal with the men as she was prepared to deal with the war. Upon her return to the US, she is surprised at the hostility shown toward her and other Vietnam veterans. Also, she is greatly surprised at the utter indifference of her family and high school and country club friends to her time in Vietnam. She suffers tremendously from PTSD. I won’t go into the details, but she hits rock bottom, more than once. I don’t say this lightly, this is an excellent piece of historical fiction. Hannah compels you to turn the page and the emotional wreckage, and twists and turns are plentiful and believable. I’ve read other war fiction and non-fiction (and written some) but Hannah‘s fictional accounts of the field hospitals are informative, stomach-churning and believable. Hannah has a particular sensitivity toward Frankie and the changes wrought upon her as a result of her experiences. So many things occur in this book, it would be unfair for me to describe them as that would give away the plentiful and great plot twists. Everything about Frankie’s life is turned on its head and all we want to do is root for her. This book is an excellent war story, coming-of-age story, romance, daughter-parents tale, buddy story, and character and plot driven novel. I loved it. Highly recommended.

A must-read for fans of historical fiction as it depicts the experiences surrounding the Vietnam War for the brave women of that war and era. It is an emotional, and ultimately triumphant story, that you will not be able to put down.

I have read several Kristen Hannah books in the past and have enjoyed them all. Yet, when friends in my social groups began to rave about Kristen's latest book, The Women, I hesitated to read it. I was afraid it would trigger anxiety and questions about my self-worth. I used to be an Army nurse, received my education through Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing, and am considered a Vietnam Era veteran as I joined the ANC in 1974. However, I never served "in-country" and often felt unworthy to be recognized as I did not have combat nursing experience. I am extremely grateful for the experience I received both as an Army student nurse and my 13 years of ANC nursing experience. Without the Army, I could never afford college and, therefore, would not have become a nurse. In Delano Hall, where our nursing classes were held, there is a room affectionately known as the "dead" room. On the walls were portraits of nurses "Killed in Action" or KIA. I use to stare at those pictures and both dred failing my classes as rumor had it you would be deployed to a war zone, at the same time I bemoaned the end of the war as I would never win the respect a combat nurse commanded. In my first assignment post graduation from nursing school, I used to wonder nightly if Maryland made a mistake granting me a license! I was sure it was obvious to everyone on my unit that I didn't have a clue as to how to do my job! Especially as I was put in charge of nursing supervision, my third night on duty! I was a nervous wreck until my third year of post-graduate nursing! I finally decided to read The Women during a Kindle Reading challenge. The challenge to read a 2024 Amazon Editor's Choice Best Novel of 2024 was made simpler as I already had The Women by Kristin Hannah in my library. I knew I was going to love this book when I read the statement made at Frankie's brother's going away party - "Women can be heroes, too." This matter of fact acknowledgment that women could be honored as much as men was the impetuous to Frankie volunteering to join the ANC. Frankie was gobsmacked by this easy acceptance of women's worth. Immediately, I remember the recruiter who introduced me to the WRAIN program that changed the trajectory of my life back in my freshman high school days in 1970. Until that time, I never dreamed I could receive a four year college education and get my nursing license. Women in my family never went away to college. It was just too expensive. I could relate to Frankie's astonishment that a male acquaintance would openly declare his belief in women's equality. I was smiling through my tears as I read that scene. Kristen's story was made even more intense and powerful as she vividly described Frankie's arrival in Veitnam during a red alert. Later, I was surprised to find the words blurring as I read about operating on the mud floor of a tent under the operating table while holding a flashlight in her mouth; as bombs exploded around her! The blurred vision was not a spot on my glasses but tears that were pouring from me in response to Kristen Hannah's moving word choice. Despite being an avid and fast reader who can usually finish one book a day, The Women was so emotionally intense I had to take frequent breaks, sometimes as long as 24 hours , before I was calm enough to read it the book again. Kristen perfectly portrayed the problems female veterans have getting adequate health care open return home. I began to scream in anger when Frankie was told that there were no women serving in Veitnam! The ignorance that women veterans were forced to deal with was appalling. However, I was pleased at how detailed and factual Kristen's account was of Frankie's encounters with VA. Kristen's research was impeccable. The characters in The Women were well-developed and relatable. The commonalities and differences between Frankie and her two besties, economically, beliefs, and even romances helped to keep the story moving. I especially loved the sisterhood that developed because of shared experiences of the war. The lifelong friendships I developed during my years in the ANC are some of my fondest memories. I am really glad I finally read this book. It brought back memories both good and bad of my time in service. It helped me to accurately voice some of my buried issues from that time, and I believe I am healthier since reading this magnificently written story! Thank you, Kristen. It was an intense journey, but I believe at least for myself, I came out better mentally and emotionally for having read The Women.

The Women by Kristin Hannah is an excellent and deeply moving novel that shines a long-overdue light on women’s experiences during the Vietnam War. This book was recommended to me by a friend who is a historian, specifically because of its historical accuracy, and that care and research truly show on every page. As a historian myself who focuses on women’s history, particularly military nurses, I was especially impressed by the attention to accuracy and the respect given to the women whose stories have so often been minimized or forgotten. The details feel grounded and authentic, making the story immersive without ever feeling like a history lesson. Hannah does a remarkable job capturing both the chaos of war and the quieter, lasting emotional toll it took on the women who served. It’s a powerful story about courage, friendship, trauma, and finally being seen. An excellent read that left a strong impression and deep appreciation for a history that deserves far more recognition.

I admit I'm not an emotional reader. It takes a lot me make me shed tears while reading, but the ending of this book was surprisinly emotional for me. I love reading historical novels, but I knew little about the Vietnam War and its outcomes to the soldiers and nurses who ventured in there in service. A really good book that like many other that I've been reading, show the forgotten role of women in wars that marked a whole generation.

This book I couldn't put down!!! A fantastic standalone book!!! I went through sooooo many emotions even wanted to throw the book against the wall at a certain point....like arggggg JUST READ IT!!! Then you will understand!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Riveting Tribute to Courage and Sisterhood The Women by Kristin Hannah is an extraordinary novel that immerses readers in the untold stories of women who served in the Vietnam War. Through the eyes of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nurse from a privileged background, we witness her transformation as she leaves behind her sheltered life to serve in a war-torn country. The narrative delves deep into her experiences, capturing the chaos and camaraderie of the battlefield, as well as the profound challenges faced upon returning home. Hannah masterfully portrays the complexities of war, not just in combat but in the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those who serve. The bond between Frankie and her fellow nurses, Barb and Ethel, is heartwarming and authentic, showcasing the strength found in sisterhood amidst adversity. The novel also addresses the often-overlooked contributions of women in the military, shedding light on their sacrifices and the struggles they faced both during and after the war. The writing is evocative, drawing readers into the turbulent era with vivid descriptions and compelling characters. Hannah’s meticulous research and attention to detail bring authenticity to the story, making it both informative and deeply moving. The Women is a testament to resilience, friendship, and the enduring spirit of those who serve. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction that honors the unsung heroes of our past.

Me gustó mucho, la historia es dura, escrita de forma que se lee fácilmente, muchas emociones, toca temas difíciles de forma entretenida y que invita a seguir leyendo.

The cause driving Kristin's books is compelling and sadly still rife: the relegation of women's visibility and contribution to society to the back of our conscious world. Her stories are beautifully told. And I mean really beautifully told. An unusual and credible realism also underpins her prose. This is gender-free story-telling of the highest quality. Her characterisation is devoid of stereotyping, sensitive and totally believable. Amazing !!! And what i discovered about military nurses in the Vietnam war.... Also read her book on the French resistance, which had me crying. Kristin: Thank you. You are a genius ♥️. Tom (a youthful 70 year old !)