⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+++++ for The Women by Kristin Hannah. Hannah has written another phenomenal work of historical fiction! I loved this novel.

The novel stars Frankie McGrath, the daughter of wealthy socialite parents on Coronado Island, covering the 1960s through the early 80s. Inspired by her father’s high regard for military heroes and her brother’s friend’s statement that women can be heroes, Frankie volunteers for the Army Nurse Corps and is sent to work in two field hospitals in Vietnam. There, she is exposed to the brutalities of war and forges a deep friendship with Ethel and Barb.

Bringing an important focus to the fact that women served in Vietnam as well as the difficulties that these women (and, of course, the men) faced as they returned to the US after their time in country, this novel was enlightening, heart-breaking, and somehow also hopeful. Hannah’s handling of this part of history is artful and a masterpiece.

Thank you to the author, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my opinions.

What the heck there are no words except thank goodness Kristin Hannah came back to writing this story!!! THE EMOTIONS!!! Literally had to put the book down multiple times because I was so ANGRY at the not so fictional situations the main character faced.

Ok now I’ll try to form words:
It is very well known that Kristin Hannah is my favorite author. I don’t read much historical fiction, but her characters and stories have me reaching for anything and everything she writes. This book perfectly exemplifies why.

-No one writes a strong female protagonist like she does! I loved getting to know sweet innocent Frankie McGrath, and watch her evolve into such a fierce woman.
-Found family!! While there is some ~messy~ romance in the story, the friendships that span through the years and its challenges are fantastic.
-The family dynamics explored. Society family. Son goes to war. Hurray! Daughter goes to war… Why would you bring such shame on this family!
-The pacing. The first half is active duty and had me flipping pages like crazy. The second half I read a bit more slowly, but not because I was uninterested. Had to take breaks bc I was FIRED UP.
-I learned so much. From military terminology to Vietnam to the politics of the era. I honestly am embarrassed with what I thought I knew about this period.
-and most importantly, hearing a side of the story that I didn’t know much about before. My grandpa was a Vietnam vet, but he never talked about his time at war. I knew many vets don’t like to talk about the horrors of war, but this story taught me so much about how vets were actually treated post war. ESPECIALLY - the women. Thank you Kristin Hannah for shining a bright light on these heroes!❤️

Like I said before, I had to put down the story multiple times. It takes a talented author to write lovable dynamic characters, make a statement on biased treatment, research and teach about a tumultuous period of history, evoke strong emotions in a reader, and do it all in such an eloquent story.

4.5 ⭐️
What a tremendous and loving story of the women who served in the Vietnam Nam war. Even though I’m old enough to remember it, I was pretty young and had no idea about the terrible shame and anger most vets were made to feel upon their return, and especially the women…to be told that “there were no women in Vietnam”….to have their sacrifices and pain and heroism so completely negated…it gutted me to read about it. I *do* remember much more clearly, a generation later, everyone’s attitude when soldiers came back from the Iraq war, how ubiquitous “support the troops” was and the effort to respect & honor the servicemen, even if you disagreed with the war. A whole society, trying to do better.
Anyway, there were a few plot devices Hannah used that definitely made me roll my eyes, and the second half of the book became almost soap-opera-like, which is why I didn’t give the book 5 stars, but overall a worthwhile book that I’m glad I read.

Another fantastic novel from Kristin Hannah. I think she did a great job portraying the viewpoint of a combat nurse in Vietnam, and the struggles that they faced when they came home from war - especially when it came to getting the same access to re-entry services that the men got. I loved how the novel ended and found it a true testament to Frankie and the person she wanted to become.

So beautifully written! Kristin Hannah’s command of the English language is extraordinary. Detailed,descriptive passages paint vivid pictures/scenes as the story unravels. The Women shreds a light on the impacts of the Vietnam War, the heroic efforts of the women, and so much more. So moving. A must read!
Thank You to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Kristin Hannah for the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy this ARC.

The women by Kristin Hannah is deeply moving and poignant. Evocative. Frankie’s story is impactful from multiple perspectives. I tried to figure out which one spoke to me the most, but I have to say, all of them are meaningful and sure to resonate with someone in the audience.
A young, innocent woman who longed to make a difference by maintaining her family’s honor and remembering a brother who deeply impacted her life. A brave human who embarks on an army tour she never could have imagined. A humbled nurse who could not believe what she was seeing, living, experiencing, or being asked to do. A battle tried and seasoned surgical nurse who excelled despite the pain and chaos. A loyal friend who found lifelong sisters. A woman who longed for and found love. A tender soul who experienced unspeakable heartache and loss. A daughter who learned first hand the polarizing differences in generational approach to hardships. An addict who longed for understanding and healing from the experiences that broke her. An army vet who learned that PTSD is a real thing, not to mention the effects of chemical warfare. A champion who learned how to fight for women vets to be seen and heard. A warrior who earned her scars and the right to tell her story.
The uncertainty but dedication followed by the immediate panic of her regretful and naive decision to enlist were depicted in perfect detail. The dialogue, the sounds and smells, and the descriptions of life during combat in the jungle allowed me to experience it in my mind’s eye.
The second half, reentry and life going forward, broke my heart. Not in a way that I didn’t enjoy the story, but in a way that had me screaming with Frankie for someone to see her and validate her experiences. Ethel and Barb remained true and faithful in a way that heart sisters do and I was so grateful she had them.
While this book may been fiction, the story is not. The author mentioned at the end that this book has been with her for awhile but she knew she wasn’t ready or matured enough in her skill to tackle and honor such a difficult topic. Thank you for waiting. For taking the time get it right through maturity and research.
As one who grew up Army and has been a nurse for 25+ years, I can’t help but believe that time to marinate is what made this book phenomenal. Attention to detail and historical representation are so well done.
For all the heaviness, and there’s plenty of it (it’s war and nurses), there’s also tender, sweet, everyday life moments. The balance happened at just the right moments and demonstrate the mastery of a spellbinding story.
I had the privilege of reading the written words in addition to listening to audiobook which truly brought the story to life in a unique and captivating way.
Many thanks for the complimentary copies I received from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Wow! What a story that Kristin Hannah told. Historical Fiction at its finest.

I absolutely loved Frankie! What a badass she was. And her friends were the type of friends that every girl dreams of.

I loved all the drama that played out in the story. And enjoyed learning more about the Vietnam War and all the struggles those who served faced both their in country time and when they returned home.

I knew the reception of those returning from Vietnam was brutal but it’s another thing to read about the hostility and hurdles they faced…especially the females who served at nurses.

Thank you to all those who served…and welcome home.

Also, thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of The Women in exchange of an honest review.

Why can't women be heroes too? This is the question that Kristin Hannah addresses in her latest novel about a young idealistic woman serving as a nurse in the Vietnam War. As a young girl myself during that same time period, I could relate to all the cultural references and divided feelings about the war. The book also made me reflect on how much life has changed for women during the course of my lifetime. Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

Thank you Kristin Hannah for finally writing about women serving in a time of war that is not WW2. "The Women" set during Vietnam is about Frankie McGrath, who at the young age of 20 went to Vietnam to serve 2 tours of duty as a combat nurse. This book delves into her time in Vietnam and then goes more deeply into life in America after her return. Unfortunately not welcomed back as a war hero sets her life on a downward spiral that is so tough to read, but very well told.

If I had any criticism for this book, it is that Frankie comes from a very privileged background. She had a very good support system (if not always emotionally from her parents, definitely financial). Frankie made some terrible choices in her life. I would be interested in a book about a woman in a similar situation, but does not have the same resources available to her.

Overall I enjoyed this book, like I always do from Kristin Hannah. The Vietnam Era is not one that is talked about enough so I appreciate Hannah's bold undertaking in this book. Its clear she did her research especially about life on the front lines.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this novel for my honest opinion.

Before I start, 5 stars. Hands down

You can read the synopsis anywhere. Vietnam. Nobody knew there were women there. This story is about 3 of them, honing in on Frankie and her experience during and after the war.

I’m going to talk about how this book made me feel because that’s what many of us look for. I was excited to read this because The Great Alone is my favorite book of all time. I was also scared to read it because The Four Winds drained me. It truly depressed me, and I almost didn’t make it through. I kept putting this book off because I didn’t want to be dragged down.

I’ll admit, there were times when I had to put it down because it was hard. It tugged at my heart. At the same time, I didn’t want to put it down. It was so well written, so incredibly thought out. You can tell that Hannah did not only her research but made sure that everything that happened was well represented.

Frankie is a character you feel for, you root for. Sometimes you want to shake her, sometimes you want to hug her. I was immersed in her life and hoped for that happy ending. I won’t tell you how it ends other than it is all realistic and true to how many people were after that horrific experience.

I highly recommend this book, but know that it’s not a light read. It’s real and raw and amazing.

Women were there! And they were heroes!
Frankie joined the army to find her brother but found herself instead.
This incredible book chronicles the life of young army nurse, Frankie, during the Vietnam War and after.
Author Kristin Hannah did her research digging not only into the war - but the activism, the protests, and the music that was happening at the same time.
This book revolves around war, friendship, family and romance, but I think the power of friendship is one of its strongest themes.
My only criticism and it’s a small one. I don’t think this book needed to be as long as it was. I think a solid 50 pages could have been cut and it wouldn’t have impacted the storyline.
I know it’s only January but this may be my favorite book of 2024.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was a tough book to read. It was a touching and heartfelt story that made me cry quite a few times. Franke was raised in California in a wealthy area. Her brother went to war in Vietnam and from his letters, she decided to get her nursing degree and join him. Her parents were horrified, especially since her brother was killed. She went anyway and was in for the shock of her life. She was in no way prepared for life over there. Luckily 2 nurses took her in hand and showed her how to survive. Also Jamie (a doctor)helped her see she could handle it. He was married, but it didn't stop him wanting her. Then, he left and tragedy struck. Her brother's friend found her one day and she started seeing him. Rye turned out to be a liar and broke what was left of her. When she finally left Vietnam, she was shocked how people treated her. Vietnam was a war everyone wanted to forget, but the men and women that served over there will never forget. It took almost dying for her to realize she needed to be on her own away from everything. She bought land and slowly women started showing up to recover and heal. Finally over 10years after she came home from the war, she goes to the Memorial service in Washington DC and meets that one person that she thought she would never see again. She went to war, came home broken and maybe now will be alive again.

Rarely does a book speak to me like this one did. As a girl being born in 1970 and a father that served in the Vietnam War I’ve heard stories of how the vets were treated upon returning home. I don’t think it ever entered my mind about the women serving as nurses. These courageous women had double the cross to bear upon coming home as they weren’t recognized as a veteran, couldn’t get the help they needed and were actually looked at as a disgrace to their families. This story made me realize the suffering of those who served and for the women, god bless them. We’ve come so far but there is still so much more to achieve,

There was something heavier about this book than I was prepared for. I usually love her in depth writing style but this book felt like there was too much focus on the men who n the heroines life and not the story itself. The women who served in Vietnam deserve to have their stories told. I just didn’t enjoy this one as much.

Thank you netgalley for my ARC along with my honest review. I have loved Hannah since I stumbled across Between Sisters many years ago. I have since read every single book. Since Nightingale is one of my all time favorites, I was super excited for The women and glad to say it did not disappoint. The journey the reader is taken on might be eye opening, heartbreaking, frustrating, hopeful and so much more at any point in time throughout France's story. While some events may get a bit tedious or dramatic for some, the point is to portray any/all of 'the women' who served a role during Vietnam via these one or two characters so that perhaps those who didn't understand then will do so now. The story has some dark turns that many don't like to read or face in real life, but that's the point. These women and men, many had no choice, that was, and perhaps still is,reality. Time for people to wake up and take notice. The last paragraph of the authors notes is especially telling and moving to me as well.

Kristin Hannah books can be a gut-punch. I'm still scarred by The Great Alone so it was hard to convince myself to start reading The Women. But what an incredible book. I was immediately sucked in and alongside Frankie McGrath, an Army nurse in the Vietnam War, every step of the way. This book, while still containing heartbreak and terror, was magnetic - it kept drawing me back. I think because it contained only decent people. Everyone was trying. at least as much as they could.

Also, I hate to keep criticizing her other books while praising this one, but my review of The Four Winds said it felt "textbook-ish." The Women was deeply researched and informative, but it never felt like a textbook. It felt lived in and informative only because I wanted and needed to know. Every character, every scene, every emotion felt real and developed. Hannah did, of course, rip out my heart and stomp on it (she always does!), but I didn't resent it. I'm so sad there's not more book to read.

Another amazing Kristin Hannah book, The Women is about the ones who many insisted never existed: the women in Vietnam. The women who served to save others, never knowing how much they would be wounded themselves.
Having not lived through the Vietnam War, I was unaware of how it played out, both in the US and in the trenches. Now I know, and my heart breaks for so many.
This book tells the story of Frankie Mcgrath, a nurse in the Army during the war. Frankie had no idea what she was really getting into, and in true Kristin Hannah style, the reader learned right along with her. Frankie went through loss, growth, love, and joy, both in Vietnam and after she returned. Frankie was amazing, as I have no doubt the women who actually served were. I'd recommend this book to any fan of historical fiction, and any fan of an amazing book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy of the book.
Most importantly, thank you to the heroes who served.

This is such a moving book. Frankie and all the strong powerful women who went to Vietnam deserved much better when they came back to the states. Heck anyone who went and fought in Vietnam deserved better when they got back home. Yet hearing the story from a female perspective really put into light how little society sometimes places value on the female sacrifice. This book was very eye opening, not only from a personal perspective, but a historical one as well. I feel bad for Frankie and all the roadblocks she dealt with coming home. I am so glad that she had such supportive friends who were there for her and validated her journey every step of the way. I think that this will be a big hit with book clubs. Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Ooof. This one hit home HARD. As an Army spouse, there are many things in here that came very close to home and were difficult to read. But also, what a privilege to read. Kristin Hannah takes a very challenging time in our history and sheds the right light on the things that truly mattered. Women can be heroes and these women were right along with the men they served with. I loved and appreciated the care Hannah took with telling Frankie's story. She got so many things right. Two parts that particularly rang true for me was the experiences of a soldier coming home from war and the ways in which the Army becomes your family. They understand.

This is an important story to tell and one I was not super familiar with. Hannah does an fantastic job of making a difficult topic approachable. Whether you read this in print, digital, or audio, this is a book that will stop you in your tracks and make you think. We need these stories told and I am grateful to Hannah for doing so. A resounding 5 stars for a book that will stay with me forever.

“Women can be heroes.” ‼️‼️

“You’ll learn fast, Frank. We laugh so we don’t cry.” Anyone in medicine will feel this.❣️

I suppose I could give this book 5 stars before I have even read it because it is written by @kristinhannahauthor, one of my favorite authors, and the audiobook is narrated by @justjuliawhelan, another favorite. I am prepared to be gutted and fully immersed in this story. Going in..

Ugh why do you do this to me #kristinhannah?! This book. THIS. BOOK. My heart can’t take it. This was a gut wrenching look into Vietnam, a war seldom written about, and the women that were there. It is a deeply moving story and my only critique is how annoying Frankie was throughout much of the book. Were her selfish and careless actions probably a result of PTSD, though? And the poor decision making? The self sabotage? Maybe it’s just that her story is so real and raw it’s hard to stomach. It’s probably that. I really would have loved to explore Barb a bit more, though, and maybe get a slightly different perspective from a different woman.

Overall I feel sorry for whatever book I read after this one. No matter how good, it doesn’t stand a chance.

“‘I love you guys,’ she said. That was the starting and ending point in life: love. The journey was everything in between.”

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.