“No fear, McGrath. You can do this.”

This book is absolutely amazing. I have always loved books by Kristin Hannah, but this has to be at the top of the list of my favorites. She is an expert at writing historical fiction that pulls the reader right in from the start.
Francis “Frankie” McGrath is a naïve twenty-year-old nursing student who wants to join the Army Nurse Corps in Vietnam. She wants to support her brother who she idolizes and who recently was shipped out also to Vietnam. The book is divided into two parts, her time in Vietnam and then her time after she arrives home two years later.
Frankie changes from a young inexperienced nurse to a trusted, hard-working nurse in the midst of the war in Vietnam. She meets two other nurses who become her best friends forever. They support each other during the war and so much more afterward. Frankie could never have survived without them after she came home.
Unfortunately for Frankie, her family was embarrassed that she was serving as a nurse in Vietnam. They didn’t recognize the duty that she filled over there and they struggled to accept her when she came home.
Frankie falls in love during her time in Vietnam, but has to face heartbreak more than once. It changes who she is and how she handles her life.
Kristin Hannah writes about the neglect that the women who did serve in Vietnam received once they came back home. She also reminds us of how the government covered up the real stories of the number of individuals killed during the 20-year war. Growing up in the 70’s, I remembered much of what Hannah writes about- the protests, Agent Orange, hippies, President Nixon and President Johnson, the POW bracelets (one of which I still have), the songs of the time.
I loved the friendships that developed between Frankie, Ethel and Barb. Despite this book being almost 500 pages, I found myself reading way into the night. You just find yourself so intwined in the story that you want to keep reading. Kristin Hannah really brings this story to life. Days later, I am still thinking of Frankie.
I highly recommend reading this book. Thank you to Kristin Hannah for bringing the plight of the nurses who were in Vietnam to light. They certainly deserved more than they received when they returned.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. Published February 6, 2024.

What a fabulous novel! Nobody does gut wrenching, yet absolutely captivating, novels like Kristin Hannah. I just loved The Women and the female nurse perspective on the Vietnam War. Frankie McGrath is just a powerhouse main character. She embodies so much passion and courage and I just absolutely fell in love with her. Her coming of age story through Vietnam and the after effects was so realistic and memorable it almost felt like a memoir. It was a long novel, but filled with a lot of action and was really a page turner. I really enjoyed this novel and encourage any historical fiction lover to read this book! Definitely will be one of my top books of 2024!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

A new book by Kristin Hannah is always cause for celebration. The Women is about nurses who volunteered to serve during the war and it follows the difficulties they faced not only in Vietnam, but also the ones they faced upon returning home. As a member of Generation X, it was particularly interesting to read historical fiction that took place during my childhood - it brought back many of my own memories as I came of age during the 1970's.

The book is beautifully written. It's a love story, but it's also so much more - it's about friendship, service, heroism, valor, and grief. Hannah manages to capture the sights, sounds, and music of the time. My favorite books are ones that make you feel something and The Women does just that.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

I'm a big fan of Kristin Hannah's work, so I am devastated to not be able to give THE WOMEN high marks. My only hope is that additional editing for the published version fixed some of the issues I encountered in my ARC.

THE WOMEN tells an important story, and I was fascinated by the settings - 1960s and 1970s Vietnam, California, DC. But Hannah's handling of the story was not as deft as her other work. There is no plot - only a series of events. And many of these events felt like anecdotes told to Hannah during her research for the book. Even the descriptions of clothing and hair felt clunky and out of place, like they were added because Hannah had seen a photograph of the exact outfit. The narrative felt like a patchwork of historical evidence rather than a cohesive novel. It was a quick read, but I never felt connected to Frankie. And I was able to guess the three twists long before they appeared. Overall, it was a disappointing read, and believe me when I say, that breaks my heart.

This story captivated me with its poignant portrayal of Frankie McGrath, a young nurse whose life was transformed by the Vietnam War. This novel masterfully intertwines the chaos of war with the personal growth and challenges Frankie faces, both on the battlefield and upon her return to a divided America. Hannah's narrative pays a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroines of war, shedding light on the overlooked sacrifices and struggles of women who served. The depth of emotion, coupled with meticulous research, makes this book a compelling read and a powerful statement on heroism, resilience, and the quest for recognition. This book reminds us of the untold stories that shape our history.

I feel honored just to have read this book! I know Frankie was fictional, but her story was real. Many women were a part of the Vietnam War but most of their stories haven’t been spoken about. Kristin is such an amazing storyteller. I felt like I was there next to Frankie as she experienced the horror of war. I enjoyed seeing her confidence grow and loved that she made lifelong friends as well. But things were not sunshine and rainbows. So much blood. So much violence. But Frankie was capable and she saved many lives. My heart also broke for her. She experienced so much and she thought Vietnam was the hardest thing. Little did she know, going home was just the beginning. I felt for Frankie and could understand her choices. This book is going to stay with me long after I read, The End. Parts of this book are tough to read but I also feel they are important. Please don’t let this book pass you by!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Kristin Hannah knocks it out of the park once again and quite honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less from her! You can tell this was a labor of love through the thoughtful character development and research done to bring this story of the forgotten female vets of 'Nam to life. I have a book hangover...there is so much to share - so I'll only say this. Put down your TBR stack and run, don't walk to get this book. You will feel all the feels we come to anticipate from her stories. Sorry to my seatmates on the flight for ugly crying like my pet just died, good thing airplane noise is loud up in the sky!

I'm always up for a Kristen Hannah book. The Women is a rewarding but hard read. This book has just about every trigger you can think of, so be aware going in. The story is well told and the characters are amazing. Frankie is someone to root for, and her friends are always there for her. I knew so little about The Vietnam War going in. The first half of the book deals with the war and the second half with the aftermath. It's difficult reading, but definitely worth it. Highly recommended for readers who like gritty historical fiction.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the review copy.

If there is one thing Kristin Hannah is going to do, it's rip your heart out...shatter it...and slowly put it back together. Hannah is an auto buy author for me and her newest effort, The Women, proves just exactly why. Deeply emotional, powerful, and patriotic. Could not put this one down. 5 stars.

What an amazing book! This one will definitely stay with me for a long time.

If anyone tells you there weren't any women in Vietnam don't believe them. The Women by Kristin Hannah tells the story of Frankie and her time as a nurse in Vietnam and when she returns home. The first half of the book is about her tours in Vietnam. The second half is about how she was treated and dealt with PTSD on her return.

Kristin Hannah's books always suck me in and make me want to learn more about the subject she is writing about. The Women was no exception. This will definitely be one of my top reads of 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of The Women by Kristin Hannah for an honest review.

I'm the daughter of a Marine who served during the Vietnam War. My dad never talked about his experiences in-country, but it was obvious to those who loved him that what happened in Vietnam, what he saw over there, affected the choices he made for his entire life. I've thought a lot about what it must have been like for the soldiers like my dad, who fought for their country in a foreign war and then came home to a furious, fraught homeland where they were resented and despised for serving.

But as ashamed as I am to admit it, I never really thought about the women who served.

In The Women, Kristin Hannah paints an intimate, moving portrait of the Vietnam War through the eyes of one woman who served as an Army nurse. When her brother leaves for Vietnam, Frankie McGrath decides almost on a whim to enlist in the Army Nurse Corps. But idealistic Frankie, determined to prove that women can be heroes, was unprepared for the atrocities of war, the destruction and bombs and blood, that would become her reality while serving in-country -- and would haunt her long after returning home.

Kristin Hannah is phenomenal at writing historical fiction; she brings the Vietnam War era, with its fraught political climate and escalating protests, completely to life with rich and vivid detail. It's clear that a lot of research went into the writing of The Women. I felt like I was on the ground with Frankie in Vietnam, in the base hospital or in a small rural village, experiencing the horrors of war right along with her.

But aside from teaching me a lot, what The Women did was make me feel. This is such an emotional book that made me unbelievably sad, but also made my heart swell with joy -- that made me feel angry and regretful, but also comforted and empowered. The true strength of The Women is its characters, who are well-rendered and who I felt deeply connected to after following them through the heartaches, frustrations, and joys of their lives. The sisterhood between Barb, Frankie, and Ethel, which serves as an anchor for Frankie throughout her struggles, is so powerful. Frankie is one of those characters that I will never forget, after being literally in the trenches with her. She is vulnerable and courageous and determined and has one of the most redeeming, moving character arcs I've ever had the pleasure to read.

The women were there, and now The Women is here to give them a voice after decades of being overlooked. What an incredibly powerful, captivating, and important reading experience this was.

Wow, this could be one of my favorite Kristin Hannah Books yet.

Thank you to the publishers for the review copies! This one just released 2/6, so find it in stores now.

Kristin Hannah has always been one of my favorite authors. I don’t think I have read a book of hers that I have not enjoyed. I think her writing is absolutely brilliant.

This book is no exception - it is incredible. Not only was I sucked in from the first page, it was truly a ‘cannot put down’ type of book for me.

The story follows Frankie, a twenty year old nursing student from California. Frankie was raised by conservative parents and always prided herself on doing the right thing. As she sees her brother Finley off to serve in the Vietnam war, Frankie is inspired. She decided to join the Army Nurse Corps and follow in her brother’s path.

Frankie soon realizes it is much more than she expected. The chaos and destruction of war, and the long days of work take a toll on her. Though each day is a gamble of life and death, Frankie finds solace in those around her and even falls in love.

When Frankie returns home, she is greeted with cold and isolation from everyone around her. America has changed and the people are divided and angry.

This book had me feeling every emotion so deeply. The messages are powerful and so important. The book is divided into 2 parts, both equally fascinating and heartbreaking.

This one is heavy and full of learning about the war, but it also has some of KH’s classic romance. More importantly, it shows the importance of friendship and found family, and how love comes in many different forms. 🤍

Only Kristin Hannah can wreck me and have me coming back for more. Her new book is quite the emotional roller coaster, but the story is so important and I’m thrilled she has written something so beautiful in which to honor the women who served during the Vietnam War.
When Frances “Frankie” McGrath’s older brother is shipped out to Vietnam, Frankie decides she wants to serve too. At 21 she’s a nurse with very little nursing experience and absolutely no military experience, but the Army takes her and sends her out. Once she is stationed at her evac hospital she thinks she made a mistake, but quickly realizes she is where she is meant to be. After two years she comes home to a less than hero’s welcome. Spat on by strangers, realizing her parents are ashamed of her rather than proud, and being told by everyone “there are no women in Nam” she isn’t sure how to start living again. Falling down the hole most Vietnam vets found themselves in, Frankie struggles to figure out who she is since the country is determined to tell her she’s not a vet, not a hero, not to be celebrated, and someone with whom she should be ashamed.
In true Kristin Hannah style, this book had me chuckling, gasping, and downright sobbing. About 10,000 women served in Vietnam as nurses, doctors, intelligence, administrative roles, and air traffic controllers. 8 of the nurses who served died while serving, yet they weren’t remembered until 1993. Ms. Hannah honors them beautifully within the pages of this book.
Vietnam is a war in which I know embarrassingly little about and through Ms. Hannah’s writing I felt like I was there. It takes a truly brilliant author to be able to write multiple books on completely different subjects and transport the reader into the story each and every time. This is a must read for everyone.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy. The Women hit the shelves on February 6th.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley and St. Marten’s Press for this ARC.

WOW! When Kristin Hannah comes out with a new book, it’s immediately added to my TBR. Hannah beautifully depicts Frankie’s journey from a naive girl to a seasoned nurse and war veteran. I don't think we learned enough about the Vietnam War as we did about World War 2 in school or textbooks, perhaps because we were not quite on the right side of history. It was refreshing to read a more novel historical fiction story which highlighted "the women" and their unique challenges. Hannah reminded us that history is not to be forgotten and I found the story to still be relevant to all that's occurring in the world today.

A few lines that stood out to me:
"We were the last believers, my generation…I wonder if any generation will ever believe again."
"It's hard to see clearly when the world is angry and divided and you're being lied to."

I am absolutely speechless. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 by Kristin Hannah takes readers on a journey alongside the women of the Vietnam War. This novel was absolutely stunning, completely devastating, and incredibly overwhelming, in the most awe-inspiring way. It broke me, and awoke me, and left me raw with emotion.

Readers follow sweet Frankie (Frances), an all-American girl from a wealthy California suburb. Hoping to follow in her brother's footsteps and hoping to make her family proud, she enlists in the Vietnam War as a nurse, only to discover the gruesome reality that is Vietnam. The world that she returns to is just as unforgiving, and Frankie is left bereft, held afloat only by the other brave women who were at her side during the war.

This story will leave you astounded, but with a renewed sense of gratitude for the unsung heroes who fought wars for our country, especially the women who were never recognized or respected as an integral part of these wars. These individuals upheld the beliefs that our freedom is of utmost importance and fought with valor and bravery for each and every one of us.

Many thanks to partners, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for sharing this gifted review copy with me.

I went into this story blind, and I was so excited that the FMC was a nurse! This story follows Frankie, a nurse in the Vietnam War. It highlights the absolute horrors of war, and the lifelong effects after.

The book is split into two parts, the first part is during the war, and the second was after. I will say, I enjoyed the first part of the book more. The second part seemed a bit redundant and dragged on a little for me.

However, I really did enjoy this book so much! I was very invested in Frankie’s story, and found myself thinking about her even when I wasn’t reading the book.

Thank you so much NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical Fiction

Thank you @macmillanaudio for the #gifted listening copy that is expertly narrated by Julia Whelan. She is a favorite narrator of mine, but I was particularly impressed how well she seamlessly could do so many voices, both male and female in this one. I was also thrilled to have a @netgalley copy from @stmartinspress so I could follow along and highlight my favorite quotes! And there were many!

Folks, I think it will come as no surprise to no one, but Kristin Hannah has done it again! WOW! We readers are often asked our favorite book and it’s like picking a favorite child! There are so many! My default answer has always been The Nightingale by KH because I love it so much. Now, I don’t know . . . I think The Women might have just taken my top spot as my favorite book by her.

Let me explain why. There are going to be a TON of reviews for this book, but I would like to make this one a little personal for ME!

This book is obviously going to reach Veteran’s of the Vietnam War. It’s going to hit that whole generation. Likely nurses in general. First responders. Doctors. Really any one that takes on a medical or support roll. But, it really hit me too. I’m a military spouse of 24 years. I sent my husband off to 3 combat deployments and many, many more separations. This book made me remember those early years of the Iraq war very vividly. It gave me all the feels. And oh my gosh, Frankie, it felt like you were walking in her shoes. Truly heartbreaking.

What I Loved:

—A book exploring a different time period; Vietnam war isn’t often written about. Loved the authors note that she wasn’t just using books, but mostly people to help in this writing/editing journey. I also loved that while she had the idea to write this book in 1997 she recognized she didn’t have the writing skills yet. What maturity!

—The friendships. Thick as thieves. Not only did Hannah shine a spotlight on the mantra “Women can be heroes” but she included a Black nurse, which was very progressive in that time.

—I’m always rooting for love, but I think these side stories also showed Frankie’s character growth both in country and then her struggles with trauma when she couldn’t reacclimate.

—Two part story. Hannah didn’t shy away from war, trauma or addiction. This book was REAL!

—That ending. It felt somber and hopeful while still stay true to a story like this. It made sense.

I hope you plan on reading this one too and find it as deeply moving as I did! I have a KH shelf, but this one is going on my favorites!

@bookfriendsbookclub is reading this in February if you would like to join us! This demands to be discussed!

Big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Ms. Hannah, for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

We're barely a full month in but I feel confident saying this is one of the best books of the year. Powerful, brutal, moving, heartbreaking. In short, Frankie (Frances) McGrath is devastated when her brother is shot down in Vietnam not long after going to war. She signs up as a nurse with the only branch of the military that will take her right away: the Army. Frankie heads over to Vietnam with only a minimum of training and absolutely no idea what's really in store for her. Vietnam is a brutal shock, but Frankie adapts and grows into a fiercely capable OR nurse. After two tours of duty Frankie returns home, where life is not at all what she expected and she spirals into addiction, depression and despair.

Frankie's journey was absolutely riveting. This is a fairly sizable book and I FLEW through it. I was absolutely blown away by the amount of research Ms. Hannah did. Frankie's depictions of trial by fire in the operating room, of the heat and humidity of Vietnam, of the constant noise of gunfire and rockets, of the gruesome wounds suffered by the soldiers, and of Frankie's grief and sorrow at the constant loss of life, were incredibly moving. I found the portion of the book set in Vietnam to be the strongest, as Frankie's strength shone and her confidence and capability were hardened like steel in a forge. Her return stateside was equally powerful, but infinitely sadder. I was vaguely reminded of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, angry and sad and broken. However, as Hannah takes pains to show, Lieutenant Dan was given a forum for his feelings whereas Frankie was constantly denied hers. Incredibly devastating. It's so hard to watch Frankie spiral but her spirit proved stronger than her demons.

This book is about the American women in Vietnam whose contributions were minimized, whose presence went unremarked (if not outright disbelieved) and whose lives afterwards were just as shattered but with less support. And it is PROFOUND. I will say this: this book is not for the squeamish. There is nothing gratuitous about the depictions of war wounds and violent injury; it is a fact of war. I almost felt, reading it, that if these brave men and women were able to suffer these wounds for their country (and, in some cases, live the rest of their lives with the scars) then the least I can do is read about them. And please, do not skip the author's note. I found her words regarding her research and the firsthand accounts of her interview subjects very moving.

I really, really, really, really, REALLY enjoyed this book and will be happy to recommend it widely.

The Women

The lyrical writing of Hannah is unmatched.

I ended up listening to the audiobook and I can say without a doubt the audiobook is fantastic! Well done worth the listening length.

Every character, every story, it is so stuck with you that you are them, or they are your friend or neighbor. It’s like you know these people in real life.

The sorrow and pain that Frankie lives through throughout this war is a tragedy yet there is such an underlying theme of hope in every heartbreak.

We as readers are taken on a journey that for me I haven’t heard much about. I’ve read a lot of historical fictions regarding WWII but none on the Vietnam war. The stories of women in war as nurses. The strength they had and the pain they went through along with fellow soldiers. How they were disregarded afterwards. And we’re not given the respect and acknowledgment of all that they did to help.

This book will stick with me for a while.

The Women was such an emotional story. Following the life of the brave Frankie who joined the war in Vietnam as a nurse. The horrors and chaos that she witnessed, the friendships she found in Ethel and Barb, I felt all the emotions as if I was there. Then to return home and face the horror and injustice of a different kind. Kristin Hannah is such an incredible writer. This story really sucked me in and really made me think long and hard about the horrible reality of a war and what our veterans are still facing everyday.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for this ARC.