Wonderful account of the women who served in Vietnam dunging the war. Very well told and researched (with a few glaring mistakes, one chapter states that it was early 1974 and Nixon had resigned…he did not resign until August, in another section a doctor is said to have left Nam two months ago, but four weeks previous he had told main character to leave OR). having been around the age of the main characters at the time it felt true and real.

Wow! Finally a well detailed book of nurses that served in Vietnam. I had to take several breaks while reading this one as it’s a lot to swallow. I was a teenager during most of that war and remember the yellow ribbons and when a POW near our neighborhood returned home. The book brings it all to life. I could imagine the scenes and the heartbreak Frankie endured. So much to think about in how war changes a person at any level. I definitely had some tears, some smiles and a lot of lumps in my throat. So grateful for the opportunity to read an early copy of this wonderful book.

Francis "Frankie" McGrath just graduated nursing school at 21 and now must say goodbye to her brother as he leaves for Vietnam. At that time, men are hailed heroes for fighting for their country. It isn't until Frankie is told women can be heroes too, that she decides to join the Army nurse corp. She is shipped to Vietnam almost immediately. After her 2 years enduring the hells of war, she returns home to a different country in the US. Vets are no longer considered heroes. Frankie herself is a different person and struggles to find her way and integrate into a life that is no longer hers. Through the war and her time at home, her solid friendships with two women she met in Vietnam keeper her sane.

I didn't think I'd like the book and the time frame, but the writing and authenticity of dialogue kept me engaged and wanting more. Afterward, I felt like I needed decompression as the lives of Frankie and the people she touched stayed with me.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a bit to connect to Frankie, but the overall story of nurses in Vietnam sucked me in. In true Kristin Hannah fashion, I was absolutely sobbing. It wasn’t the end I expected, but I thought it was perfect. The Great Alone is still my favorite but this one is up there with Nightingale and Winter Garden for me.

I think this hit me hard being a nurse and understanding how the things you see can affect you mentally, and how crazy of a job it can be. I’ve obviously never experienced anything like war but I connected with that aspect of the story and the brutal description of war might bother some people.

In "The Women", Kristin Hannah takes a deep dive into the heroes that were overlooked and ignored during the Vietnam War, and the ongoing scars of their experiences.

In 1965, 20 year-old nursing student Francis ("Frankie") McGrath lives a sheltered life in Coronado Island, California. Brought up by wealthy parents, she's assumed that she will live the life of a debutante, eventually getting married and settling down with a husband. However, when her brother Finley enrolls in the fight against Vietnam, she's encouraged to join the cause as part of the Army Nurse Corps, despite her parent's protests and a devastating loss. In Vietnam, Frankie is completely unprepared for the world that greets her - the stifling environment, the frequent attacks and danger around her, and the never-ending injured and dying that she encounters in the makeshift hospital. It is through her own grit and the help of her fellow women nurses Ethel and Barbara, whom she develops a tight-knit friendship with, that she's able to pull through. Despite the constant tragedy, Frankie finds meaning in her work and opts to work for an additional year in Vietnam, despite her family's protests and the escalating danger she finds herself in.

The second half of the novel covers Frankie's reintroduction back to life in America, and the disillusionment that follows. Instead of a hero's welcome, she's treated with scorn and disdain given how skewed the government has been in publicizing the truth of the battles. Her own parents are ashamed of her, telling everyone that instead of serving in Vietnam, she's been studying abroad in Italy. Frankie must also deal with the traumatic memories and PTSD on her own, and even when she attempts to find help, is turned away because "there were no women in Vietnam". It is an eye-opening look at this part of history that is frequently overlooked or dismissed, and the failure of the US government and leaders to acknowledge their own mistakes.

Despite the length of this novel, I blazed through it over the course of the weekend; Kristin Hannah is a master storyteller and she's crafted one of her strongest characters to date in Frankie. We watch her start as a naive young woman where she's tested and strengthened in the midst of the Vietnam War, and her ongoing struggles to adapt to life back in America and come to terms with her own weaknesses and faults. I loved the strength of her friendship with her fellow nurses, and how deeply that friendship carried over time and space. Hannah also calls out the lies that were told by the US government during the time, the disdain that the public unjustly carried for the soldiers, and how women veterans were treated even more poorly. This is a heavy novel, and doesn't shy away from the tragedy and gruesomeness of war. While I personally wish there wasn't as much emphasis placed on Frankie's romantic interests, I can understand their contribution to her personal growth and development over the course of this novel.

Very much a recommended read for when "The Women" is published in February 2024!

Kristin Hannah's book, 'The Women,' offers a compelling and poignant exploration of the experiences of women during the Vietnam War. The novel skillfully portrays the challenges they faced, the sacrifices they made, and their remarkable resilience. With a deeply emotional narrative and a vivid depiction of the war's impact, the book captures the reader's heart and leaves a lasting impression. 'The Women' is an essential read for anyone interested in a touching and thought-provoking portrayal of human strength in the face of adversity.

I read this over a week ago and am still thinking about it - it was that good!! Kristin Hannah did an amazing job with this story, I felt like I was there experiencing everything Frankie went through while in Vietnam and then once back home. Finding her place in Vietnam and then having to find herself all over again once home was heart-wrenching, especially when she had no support to help her through her struggles with the pain and her addiction. This is one of the first historical fiction books that I have read about Vietnam and I loved it. The Women is such a great story, I will be recommending it all my reader friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

As this is a Kristin Hannah book I knew it would be emotional and give me hope just to take it away. That being said I found this book very powerful and was thankful to learn more about the experiences of the female Vietnam veterans which are all but forgotten.

The novel centers on Frankie McGrath, a 21 year-old who is idealistic and optimistic in a way that only a sheltered young woman can be. Frankie decides to follow her older brother to Vietnam by enlisting as an Army nurse. The reality of working as a nurse in a mobile hospital and then the reality of coming home to a world that doesn’t support the US’ efforts in Vietnam/recognize that the women who enlisted as nurses can have just as much trauma as the men in combat is difficult to read at times.

This is a story of a young woman’s journey - both at war abroad and with herself and the world around her at home. The characters were well developed and the storytelling was immersive in a way that Kristin Hannah does so well. If you liked The Nightingale or Great Alone I recommend this book as an eye opening, powerful read.

Absolutely loved this book!!! Kristin Hannah is a mastermind and this is one of my favorites of hers.

So many twists and turns but not for the purpose of shock value. Felt frustrating and realistic. Loved the commentary on how women in the war were forgotten and felt this book did them justice - I learned SO much and have such a newfound appreciation and respect for medical personnel in wartime. Wow.

Kristin Hannah paints such a vivid picture. Not just of the war but of the reality for veterans returning home. It was profoundly impactful to me to learn about this topic

Easy 5 stars.

This is a tremendous read. I found I could not put it down and walk away, so I devoured it. The story covers Frankie McGrath, her journey from young, innocent and naive young lady volunteering for the Army once completed with college following her brother Finley to war. Finlay her big brother, hero and best friend. Frankie wants to make a difference and earn a place on her father's Hero Wall by serving her country. Nothing could have prepared her for what she signed up for a life altering experience of the Vietnam War, the growth, the friendships, the trauma.

This story laid out well with descriptives of wonders as well as horrors, happiness and trauma the forgotten heroes. Vietnam, a war, America continues to try to make up from the disrespect shown its soldiers. My father was a Vietnam Vet who never spoke of the war to his children. This novel tries to educate the reader on the still forgotten soldiers, volunteers, and workers, The Women, as nurses, administrators, as Veterans this book presents one of these stories.. A war, similar to a business, takes many players and as Americans, we need to ensure we honor and show respect to all of them. Often times Nurses, Doctors and staff are forgotten in being honored for all the efforts they made to save so many, this book does a nice job showing the progression of one young woman to adulthood through her trauma, grief, addiction and broken hearts. Kristin Hannah inspires me as a writer her research, and the ability to find relevant topics and present in such a poignant way bringing history to life and educating so many on topics often forgotten or not discussed. Kristin brings them to life and presents in such a way to provide a level of knowledge. This book is still so relevant today as the country is torn and looking for a way to put itself right again. Thank you Kristin for another exceptional book.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and Kristin Hannah, this is one that will stay with me forever.

This was an incredibly moving story, and one I did not know much about. There were many moments throughout Frankie’s journey where I wished she had done one thing and she didn’t. I thought I knew her, and then she would do something completely different from what I just knew she would do. I fell for Rye’s deceptions right along with her. I felt like I was right beside her this entire story. I truly loved this story, and hope many people read it and have a whole new admiration for those who serve our country. I know I do.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book.

I know the pub date for this book is in 2024, but it could be my top book for this year.

This is the story of the women who served in Vietnam and is full of love, true love and friendship, personal growth.

We follow Frankie, and nurse stationed in Vietnam during the height of the war through her ups and downs. Through her heartbreaking experiences in country and upon her return home. This novel is swoon-worthy. It tugs on every emotion. My heart swelled and broke. I cried. I felt a sense of pride and admiration for Frankie’s growth.

I’m not sure I have loved a historical fiction novel as much as this.

I will also add, I know Julia Whelan is narrating the Audiobook and have already pre-ordered it to listen to it, too.

Please, please put this on your TBR immediately.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5.

P.S. I totally got some retro China Beach vibes from the stories, too. 😍😍

What an emotional read. She has the ability no matter what era to take you along for a wonderful ride. I loved it. I loved all the characters and even the parents at the end. Thank you for another great read. You never disappoint!

The women by Kristin Hannah. What can I say? This was such a tough book to read. Was one of the hardest books to get through. But, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it.
Frankie McGrath is a nurse who follows her brother to Vietnam. This is the story of Frankie and the story of the Vietnam war.
Kristin Hannah is an amazing author. She has put so much research for this book. You will be moved by this story.

“𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧; 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙.”

Prediction: This will be THE book of 2024. This book broke my heart and then put it together again. I don’t know how Kristin Hannah does it. This book emotionally destroyed me and made such an impact on me. I learned many things about the Vietnam War, women’s roles in the war, and sadly, how the veterans were treated when they returned.

Frankie’s story of trauma and suffering will be something I remember for a long time, knowing that her experience mirrored that of so many men and women during this time. Her coming of age story began with a privileged upbringing in an upper middle class family, to combat nurse in the army when she volunteered for Vietnam, and then as a survivor fighting her inner demons and trauma upon her return from the war. For her and many others, the fight didn’t end when they returned to American soil.

Frankie is hands down one of my favorite characters. She was so real, brave, and I found myself rooting for her. I cannot recommend this book enough! It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, amazing, and harrowing. It is a MUST READ. And yes, “Women can be heroes, too!”

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💕

I am an active duty military. I own multiple Kristin Hannah books and my goal this year was to finally start them. When I saw that “The Women” was open for reviews on netgalley I jumped at the chance for this one to be my first book by Kristin Hannah and I was not disappointed. The synopsis just jumped out on me…It mentioned Coronado Island here in San Diego….I have worked on this Island for 12 years so I was super excited for find a book with places that I know. It also takes place during Vietnam…I time i heard a lot of about since I had two grandfathers serving…one navy one army. My grandfathers are long past but it made me think of them. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy once it realeases!

Another masterpiece by Kristin Hannah. A very beautiful and touching story.

Thank you St Martins Press and Netgalley. Highly recommend this one

My first book by Kristin Hannah but won’t be my last! So moving and powerful and engaging and I loved every part of it. Definitely would recommend!

I’m a huge Kristin Hannah fan, and I was so happy when I saw this as a Read Now book on here. I read it in about two days, and while it was outstandingly written like all of her books, it wasn’t my favorite. It takes place in the Vietnam War era and while it was informative, raw, and emotional… I didn’t connect to it as strongly as I did her other historical fictions such as The Nightingale or Winter Garden. That being said, I loved how Hannah shone light on the brave women of Vietnam and the heartbreaking struggles all the Vietnam vets experienced on their homeland when they returned from the war. There were some plot lines I didn’t enjoy and seemed out of character as far as the caliber of her writing goes so I think that’s maybe why I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. Still brilliantly written and insightful, just not a five star read for me.

Wow! Kristin Hannah does it again. How can she make me want to do more research about a war I have no idea but man is she good! She has such a power to help me feel that the story I am reading is actually real, like I want to meet Frankie and every single character. I felt the rage of being Active Duty myself and not getting the credit women sometimes deserve. I understood the loss and the give and the take. It’s not easy being a woman but man are we such powerful beings. We can get through anything we set our hearts to. We might loose some battles but we are meant to win wars!