Who Would Like This Book:
If you love immersive historical fiction that shines a spotlight on untold stories, "The Women" is a gripping ride into the world of combat nurses during the Vietnam War. Kristin Hannah's intense, realistic war scenes make you feel like you're right there in the hospital tents, and her compassionate portrayal of PTSD and the struggles of returning veterans is both enlightening and heartbreaking. This novel will especially resonate with fans of emotional dramas, anyone interested in women's history, or those who want to explore the powerful, often overlooked role women played in the Vietnam era.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found issues with the pacing and tone, especially in the second half - a few felt the book shifts from gritty realism into melodramatic territory. The romantic subplots and character choices didn’t ring true for everyone, leaving a soap-opera vibe that some found distracting. If you’re after pure historical detail or want pitch-perfect, subtle character development, this one might feel a bit heavy-handed or tropey at times.
About:
Kristin Hannah's book 'The Women' is a poignant historical fiction novel that follows the journey of women nurses serving in the Vietnam War, focusing on the challenges of PTSD upon their return to a tumultuous society of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The story revolves around nurse Lt. Frankie McGrath, depicting her experiences from her naive beginnings in Coronado, CA, to her service in Vietnam and her struggle with reintegration into civilian life.
The narrative of 'The Women' captivates readers with its vivid and realistic descriptions of the Vietnam War, particularly the experiences of women nurses caring for wounded soldiers in combat zones. Kristin Hannah's writing style is praised for its authenticity in portraying the camaraderie, challenges, and idealism of Army nurses during the 1960s, offering a compelling and eye-opening account of the forgotten role of women in wars that left a lasting impact on a generation.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of war violence, PTSD, emotional trauma, romantic betrayal, and loss.
Has Romance?
The romance aspect in The Women is present but is often overshadowed by the main themes of war and personal growth.
From The Publisher:
A #1 bestseller on The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times!
From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women-at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.
Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances "Frankie" McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets-and becomes one of-the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
Ratings (297)
Incredible (113) | |
Loved It (106) | |
Liked It (38) | |
It Was OK (27) | |
Did Not Like (9) | |
Hated It (4) |
Reader Stats (464):
Read It (307) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (132) | |
Did Not Finish (6) | |
Not Interested (16) |
12 comment(s)
Good writer. Would read again.
Kristin Hannah is one of the best storytellers. I couldn’t put this down and I think it moved up to my favorite novel of her’s, thus far. Heavy read but so well worth it.
This book really informed me about the struggles that people faced during the Vietnam war and what they faced when they returned as well - especially the women.
Stuff kept happening… and then undoing itself? Why did the ending get ruined by another guy
I enjoyed most of this and I think it was a very impactful and emotional story with complex characters that was handled with care for the most part. The ending, and much of what led up to it, unfortunately really brought it down for me. I thought it was a very cheap trick that had already happened in a similar way earlier in the book. But if you can look past forced conclusions, I'd say it's still worth a read for the first half or so.
So so so good!
5⭐️ Such an emotional roller coaster again… it was too much of a heartbreak to bear … and I was hoping for a better ending for the main character… out of everyone her journey was the most painful and even in the end it wasn’t a happy ending for her as it was for others… everyone else seemed to move on and have families, kids and she was the only one who was an afterthought to everyone… it’s just sad to see how things were back then and how mistreated the Vietnam veterans were… so tragic… be mentally prepared to read this book…
This was so disappointing to me, waited a while and just felt like a whole other author wrote this compared to her other books, I loved the idea of a story from Vietnam but it was awful. Unbelieveable narrative and just could not relate or like any of the characters.
Badly written..amateurish
SYNOPSIS:
Frances “Frankie” McGrath is a twenty-year-old nursing student. She has grown up in a conservative, proper household on Coronado Island. Her older brother, Fin, is in the Navy, and the book opens with him preparing to leave to serve in the Vietnam War. At Fin’s going away party, someone tells Frankie, “women can be heroes, too.” This new concept sets off dominos in her mind, and it causes her to enlist in the Army Nurse Corps.
Frankie hasn’t come into her own yet professionally or emotionally, and she has a lot of growing up to do in Vietnam. Luckily, she has amazing roommates, Barb & Ethel.
The book follows Frankie’s life in Vietnam & also her life when she returns.
MY THOUGHTS
I enjoyed the women’s stories and perspectives. I never have heard about the nurses in Vietnam War, and this was educational.
I really liked the amazing bonds & female friendships. It was refreshing to read about capable, badass women.
The toxic family dynamics were interesting, as well as the society’s expectations on women in the time period.
Very well-written & well-researched. A bit repetitive in some parts.
The depiction of PTSD was well-done.
The letters written between Frankie & her family and friends were great, and I loved the incorporation of those into the story.
Book starts out slow, but it picks up & it is hard to put down.
I was disappointed by:
the dehumanization of Vietnamese people. We were never offered their perspective. Given the length of the book, I think it would have been easy to incorporate a character. I found the time in Vietnam to be the most slow moving chapters, and I think part of the reason is we were missing representation & perspective from a large portion of folks. It almost came off “white savior” in some ways, as we only know Frankie’s perspective.
the final ending twist was one twist too many for me, and felt like a repeat of what had already happened with a different character.
I didn’t like seeing Frankie’s character reduced to her love interests on so many occasions.
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 rounded up to 5. Enjoyed the perspective of the women who were nurses in Vietnam. Interesting family dynamics + well-written female friendships.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on February 6, 2024.
What can you read after
The Women?
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