Title: The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Source: DRC via NetGalley (St. Martin’s Press) in exchange for an honest review
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Synopsis: Goodreads
Purchase Link: Amazon

Other books by this author: The Four Winds

Why did I choose to read this book?

I think it’s possible that Kristin Hannah is one of the greatest historical novelists of our time, and at the same time one of the greatest women’s fiction writers. Her writing is so evocative, compelling, and just goddamn GOOD that you almost have to be brave and courageous to read her work. She doesn’t pull punches and will leave you emotionally drained (in a good way) and better informed about the world. I know this section is about why I chose to read the book but really it wasn’t a choice, it was a necessity.

What is this book about?

I have tried to write what this book is about like, 5 times now. The synopsis of it is included in both the Goodreads and NetGalley links above, but this book was so many different things that I don’t know how to put them all into words. I found that I had to read this book during alone times because I was just quietly crying the entire time I was reading it. I finished it last night in bed and I was just crying onto my pillow right through the very last words. I think this book is the kind of book that will speak to each reader individually (women especially) and your experience will be different depending on your personal life experience.

What is notable about this story?

I think this is the saddest book I have ever read other than Lily and the Octopus by Stephen Rowley or An Untamed State by Roxane Gay. I am not sure if I cried every moment I was reading, but I know there were times when I had to set the book down or I would start crying, or I was already crying and the husband was about to come into the room. I felt this book, deep in my bones, every step of the way and I’ve never even been in the military. There was something deeper here, more raw – pure grief, exhaustion, determination, resilience (I hate this word), submission, acceptance – it’s like all the emotions were thrown in a pot and melted together to make this book. I want to read it again right now. I haven’t felt that way about a book in a long time, but I want to read it again knowing how it ends to see if I feel anything differently. This book is a journey everyone should want to go on. What a fucking triumph. Kristin Hannah out here putting out banger after banger and I just sit back and say thank you ma’am may I have another.

Was anything not so great?

I know that the focus of this book was on Frankie (Frances McGrath) but I could have done with a bit more about Ethel and Barb, her two fellow nurses from Vietnam that mentor her and help her acclimate to wartime nursing. They are fast friends through the war and afterwards, and Barb and Ethel show up time and again for Frankie, no questions asked. I wish I could have known more about those other two women. This isn’t a critique, just a wish. They were so fabulous in their own right that I wish I could have spent more time with them.

What’s the verdict?

First 5 star review of the year and I cannot recommend this book enough. If you are a woman, you need to read this book. If you were alive during the Vietnam era you need to read this book. If you are a Vietnam veteran, this book honors you and if you can read it please get it. If you are a millennial like me and grew up with the Middle East as the focus of many wars, you should read this book so these memories and events aren’t lost with our parents and grandparents. Kristin Hannah is always going to be a highly recommended author here at Angry Angel Books, so just get out there and read her work. You won’t regret it.

The Women by Kristin Hannah
5/5 Stars! Loved this book so much! I am so happy that I was able to read this book before its release. I normally would not reach for a book during a war era, but the author set the stage instantly and you are immersed in the story, feeling like you are watching the charachters in real life. The book follows the life of Frances "Frankie" McGrath and her journey as a female nurse in the Vietnam War. We get a bit of her life before, during and after the war. Kristin's books always border on sad and bleak, and this was no different, although you do have a glimmer of hope for the charachters! I will say the descriptive writing and romance in this book was better than I expected. and one last thing. Justice for Coyote, Henry and most of all, Frankie. (NOT a spoiler, you'll understand when your'e done reading!)

TW: war, graphic descriptions of injuries, mentions of suicide, cheating/infidelity, miscarriage, death, PTSD.

Kristin Hannah really hits it out of the park with this book. She does such an exceptional job of setting the scene, and really making you feel like you are IN it. There is so much darkness, juxtaposed with the lightness of friendship...I loved the focus on female friends here. The topic is clearly very dark, and it definitely intrigued me to start looking more into the women that were part of the Vietnam War. I did find the pacing to be a bit off, as the latter sections of the book and Frankie's life seemed to be on fast forward, when there is still so much important growth happening throughout. While I love Frankie, there were times I didn't understand her, or agree with her choices, I found her to be so incredibly human. I loved this book so very much, I could not put it down once I started. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

A revelation comes over Frankie, a twenty year old nursing student, when she hears the words "women can be heroes". Frankie has been raised in a conservative family in Southern California. In 1965, the world is changing causing Frankie to imagine a different future for herself than she used to. When her brother Finley ships out to serve in Vietnam, Frankie chooses to join the Army Nurse Corps to follow him. As an inexperienced nurse, Frankie is overwhelmed by the grief and loss caused by this war. Unfortunately for Frankie and the friends she makes in Vietnam, coming home to a changed and divided America is the real battle.

THE WOMEN is a phenomenal story; it is extremely well-written, thoughtful, and engaging. This was the first historical fiction novel that I've read set during the timeframe of the Vietnam war, with the war as its focus, so it was a fresh experience for me. THE WOMEN is told in two parts; the first is during Frankie's tour in Vietnam, and the second is following her return home to California. Kristin Hannah is an expert storyteller in my past experiences with her work, and it is no different here.

Frankie is our main character and narrator of this story. She is a strong, courageous, and smart young lady who has been raised in a family where military service is praised. When a wise person tells her that 'women can be heroes', she decides to pursue an avenue she never thought possible, hoping to make her family proud while doing the <i>right</i> and patriotic thing. Frankie's journey is hopeful, tragic, and daunting as she navigates through being a new nurse in a chaotic environment with many casualties and the aftermath, in a world where mental health wasn't fully acknowledged.

The first half of the book is a bit of a graphic and harrowing read as Frankie describes her experiences as an army nurse in her various stations, so if graphic medical scenes aren't your jam, maybe skip this read! The second half, as mentioned above, is set when Frankie returns to California after her tours in Vietnam and her experiences with the general public upon her return. This second half felt a bit drawn out to me, but was truly an excellent depiction of the PTSD Frankie experienced coming home and attempting to return to normalcy. This part was heavy to read emotionally, but so necessary to Frankie's full journey within this story.

My heart broke for Frankie on numerous occasions as she experienced difficulty opening herself up to others in regard to her struggles, as well as her realization that those who participated in the war effort were not seen as valued by her fellow Americans, particularly in comparison to those who had served in WWII. She also experienced so much heartbreak and loss that I couldn't help but feel that she was struggling very openly in some instances and it felt like she was drowning on her own, particularly as mental health wasn't something that was discussed and people (particularly women, as they were, unfortunately, not acknowledged by the VA) at this time were expected to brush it off. The friendships Frankie developed and maintained with Ethel and Barb during this time (and afterwards) were so important. My heart was warmed by how supportive these three women were of one another during the difficult life experiences they shared.

I had several jaw-dropping realizations as I read as new things occurred that I was shocked to have revealed. The ending in particular threw me for a loop but I am so content with how everything came together in the end.

Women in history are often forgotten, or their roles are downplayed, but they played such a pivotal role in how women experience things today. They deserve to be remembered and celebrated for their efforts.

<i>I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions shared are my own.</i>

Kristin Hannah has done it again. The Nightingale and The Great Alone are two of my all-time favorite novels. With high expectations, I was not disappointed as Hannah weaves a poignant narrative around Frankie, an American woman in the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. The first half vividly captures Frankie's challenging wartime experiences in Vietnam, while the second half delves into her struggles to reintegrate into civilian life in the United States. Hannah effectively explores the public's response to Vietnam veterans, offering a nuanced understanding of post-war challenges.

I flew through this one! Kristin Hannah has written another epic book that keeps you engaged in our heroine's story as she grows in to the "woman" she was meant to be. Frankie becomes a nurse right out of high school and to make her father proud she joins the Army as a nurse and goes right to the middle of the war in Vietnam. This character's growth throughout this book through, love, hardships and just plain grief really keeps you rooting for her and also wanting her to become the woman she could be. Kristin Hannah has become my go to author and this book is right up there with my favorites!

this was a very powerful and emotional book
It is the story of a young woman Frances (Frankie) Mc Grath who idolizes her best friend and older brother Finley.
Frankie is a nurse at a local hospital but is restricted to give only the basic nursing duties to patients.
When Finley goes to fight in Vietnam Frankie decides to put her nursing skills to better use by joining the fight.
Unfortunately just as Frankie enlists she and her family learn the Finley has been killed in action.
Frankie gets no support over her decision from her parents.\
She soon meets two other nurses Barb and Ethel who will become her best friends while in Vietnam and after they return home.

She falls in love with her brother's best friend who is also fighting in Vietnam.

When her tours of duty are over and she returns home she is viewed by the public with hatred and is not considered a Vet because she is told no women served in Vietnam.
She fights for the MIA not knowing that the man she loves is one of them, having been officially informed he was shot down, killed in action.
When the MIA prisoners are released she sees him and learns he is married.
They begin their love affair and her promises they can be together , but she learns he has betrayed her.
She gets no help from the Veterans Administration with her mental health as she continues to spiral downward,
as he's not considered a vet.

She must fight for her rights and for the rights of other women who served as nurses.

The Women is about all of the women who served in Vietnam.
.

Kristin Hannah’s meticulous research shines in The Women, with some scenes reading like nonfiction. I was particularly captivated by the first half, detailing Frankie’s Vietnam tour, while the latter part skillfully explores her post-war life. There are so graphic scenes and multiple triggers so I recommend reading the content warnings on StoryGraph as there’s too many to mention. The author’s captivating storytelling and fresh perspective on a rarely discussed topic were eye-opening, especially in portraying Frankie’s post-Vietnam experiences with her family and friends. One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing Frankie, Barb, and Ethel supporting each other which truly highlights the value of friendship. The only part of the book I had a difficult grappling with were the romantic connections and some of the twists that related to that, but I understood why these had to be written into the story. Overall, this has to be one of my all-favorite books from Kristin Hannah and is my first 5-star read of the year! As someone who rarely reads historical fiction, I highly recommend this resonant read.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a huge Kristin Hannah fan for years and I can’t even describe my excitement when I found out that I was approved for The Women. Kristin Hannah is a master story teller. She reignites my love for historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. There is heartbreak, PTSD, graphic war scenes, and when I thought “oh, that is the saddest, heart-wrenching moment of this book” another moment twisted my gut even more. When a young woman named Frances joins the Army as a nurse early during the Vietnam war, she thinks this is a good way for her to join her brother, Finley, in serving her country. Tragedy hits the family when it’s too late and the next thing she knows Frances is in the middle of a war trying to grieve and stay alive. After experiencing 2 years in-country, Frances returns home and fitting back into her life is challenging. Navigating through a life where women are expected to look pretty and be a quiet housewife when she knows she is so much more than that, knowing how veterans are being treated, the cover up on how terrible the war really is, and dealing with all of her losses… this book will tear you a part. It is SO MUCH MORE than what I can cover so I highly recommend that you pick it up and read it yourself. Thank you so much Kristin Hannah for this masterpiece.

Despite having two Vietnam Vets in my family, I knew precious little about the war going into this book (I was born after it ended) and so much of this book was an education on my part. I finished the book a couple of days ago and still find myself mulling it over. I had to keep reminding myself that I was viewing this from a different perspective than what existed (or was even known about PTSD) in the 60s and 70s. I was shocked by what these women endured (and even vets in general upon returning home) and amazed that any of them came through it even remotely whole. This book took me through a range of emotions much as Frankie went through them. The bond that Frankie, Ethel, and Barb had was exceptionally well done. A difficult book to read in some ways and yet one I would recommend for the shear history lesson alone.

I started to dissociating reading this. Straight shaky hands, blurry vision, numb legs and rapid heart rate. If a patient asked me what to do in this situation, I would recommend to do what is best for them and to read the fluffy romance.
I forgive myself for not being able to read about trauma after treating it all day. Hopefully netgalley can forgive me too.

5 stars for my attempt.

In true Kristin Hannah fashion, this book was devastatingly beautiful. I was pulled into the story from page 1 and read this book in less than 24 hours which is amazing for a 400-plus page book, even if it was a snow day.

In this novel Hannah tells the often untold and unappreciated story of women who served as nurses during the Vietnam War. She does this by inviting us into the stories of Frankie, Barb and Ethel, three nurses who served together and became friends and eventually found family in each other.

This was a beautiful story of love and loss, grief and hope. Being born after the Vietnam War, I feel like I have a better grasp on a war that wasn't addressed in my education and a deeper empathy for the women and men who served.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing an early reader copy of this novel in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book doesn’t need anymore glowing reviews, but it’s getting one from me. This was my second Kristin Hannah book and it definitely won’t be my last. I could have easily flown through this book, but I wanted to take my time with it so I read it slowly. I was crying through the last few pages and each paragraph made me cry even more than the last. A beautifully written heartbreaking story of war and the aftermath of war. This is one that I will not forget anytime soon.

✨ spans over a 20-year journey with the main character through many challenges and struggles
✨ fictional characters that feel real
✨ covers topics outside of war including friendships, romantic relationships, and finding oneself
✨ perfect length - not too long, not too short!
✨ an author’s note that explains the making of this book and what inspired it
✨ EMOTIONAL

Kristin Hannah has penned another remarkable book! This story is so gripping. You laugh and you cry but most of all you develop a deep respect for the women (mostly nurses) who were brave enough to go to Viet Nam and come home to a country divided. This book holds you captivated from beginning to end. I know this is early to say but authors are going to have to come up with some incredible material to knock this book out of the top spot for me this year!!! If I could I would rate it with ten stars!!!

Kristin Hannah has done it again. She has created a historical fiction novel that takes a subject that has been forgotten and brings it to the forefront so we will remember the history that women have been such a big part of. This is a subject that not many authors have tackled. This powerful drama is a tribute to the heroic women in the Vietnam War.

This story begins with a California nurse who decides to join her brother in the Vietnam War efforts. This very important novel tells of the tragedies and heartbreak that our heroic women and men went through and the prices they paid to fight communism.

Kristin Hannah tells a story with such beautifully written and poignant words that you feel you are there in Vietnam with the characters. She also develops characters who feel real and full of flaws. What I love about Hannah’s writing is that you may think the story is going one way and she shocks you by taking the story in an entirely different way.

This book is being published on February 6, 2024 and I will definitely recommend to friends and family who love historical fiction. Thank you, Net Galley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy. #NetGalley #TheWomen @MacmillanAudio

Having studied many world conflicts, women are often left out of storytelling. While the participants of these devastating events have been primarily men, it does not diminish the reality that there are more stories to include in our history lessons to help us all become better world citizens.

I was thrilled to see one of my favorite historical fiction authors take on Vietnam and shine a light onto the female experience. Even if you feel like you have consumed a lot of Vietnam War literacy, this one is worth reading because you have not read anything like this. Even if you've read NOTHING about Vietnam beyond the few pages in an American History or World History textbook, you will be captivated by this story. It isn't for the faint of heart, though.

Be prepared to be suffer through the harsh mental, emotional, and physical realities of America's involvement in Vietnam. Be prepared to fall in love with the characters. Be prepared to carry this story with you for years to come.

The Women
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

*****SPOILERS AHEAD*****

This book was so good! It's my first 5 star of the year and what a wonderful, but so heartbreaking story it was. I learned so much about how women played an important role in the Vietnam War. A role that once they came back to the states became non-existent. It was like they were never there. What these women went through to save so many lives was truly heroic.
We see this war through the eyes of Frankie. Frankie, who lost a brother early in the war and who decides to do her part by joining as a nurse.
Everything she goes through while there had some difficult consequences she later had to deal with when her tour ended. What made me cry...yes, I cried, I rarely do, but besides losing her baby and being lied to by the man she thought loved her was her relationship with her parents.
Oh it broke my heart every time she approached her father and tried to talk to him about her experience in Vietnam and how she also deserved to be on the Hero's Wall in her house along with her brother and everybody else in her family who had served in other wars.
Even with all she went through he still didn't validate her service. It took many years for him to finally accept that his daughter was very well worthy of being part of that wall.
In regards to the writing style this was very fast paced and finished it without realizing it.

I couldn't put The Women down! Kristin Hannah did an incredible job of creating an emotional and unforgettable story. Besides what I've learned in school, I would not say I'm an expert on the Vietnam War. I learned so much more about the war and Americans' perspectives at that time. I left The Women with a greater appreciation for the men AND women who served in the war. It was eye-opening to see Frankie's experiences post-Vietnam. I thought Frankie was a realistic and rootable character. Her friendship with Barb and Ethel made me happy. Their friendship and support for one another was inspiring. There were some parts of the book that felt repetitive; however, it did not take away from my reading experience. I wasn't surprised by the Rye and Jamie twists. I thought it was an interesting choice to bring back two characters "from the dead." Although that wasn't my cup of tea, I still adored this book. This may be my favorite Kristin Hannah book after The Nightingale. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Kristin Hannah, known for her poignant storytelling, delivers yet another emotionally charged narrative in her novel "The Women." Set against the backdrop of historical events, this book weaves a compelling tale of friendship, resilience, and the enduring strength of women.

The story unfolds during World War II, a time when the world was in turmoil, and individuals faced challenges that tested the very core of their existence. At the center of this novel are the lives of three women - their paths intersecting in unexpected ways, shaping their destinies in profound and transformative manners.

Hannah's character development is impeccable, breathing life into each protagonist with a depth that resonates with readers. The trio of women - their struggles, dreams, and the unbreakable bonds they form - become the heart of the narrative. Through their experiences, the author captures the essence of the human spirit, portraying the resilience and courage that emerges in the face of adversity.

The narrative not only explores the external challenges posed by the war but also delves into the internal battles each woman faces. The complexities of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams are expertly explored, adding layers of depth to the overall story.

Kristin Hannah's writing style is evocative and immersive. Her vivid descriptions transport readers to the era, making them feel the palpable tension, the poignant moments, and the triumphs of the characters. The pacing is well-crafted, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

"The Women" stands out for its portrayal of female friendships, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and support in navigating life's tumultuous journey. It serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found in connection and the resilience that emerges when women come together.

In conclusion, Kristin Hannah's "The Women" is a captivating exploration of the human experience during a pivotal moment in history. It beautifully captures the essence of womanhood, friendship, and the enduring power of the human spirit. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction with rich character dynamics and a profound exploration of the human condition.

The subjects and setting of <i>The Women</i>, nurses who serve in the Vietnam war, piqued my interest. The action and horrors the nurses witness in the medical camps are overwhelming and feel true to life. Kristin Hannah’s research into life there is extensive and the experiences are portrayed realistically. Even as I was horrified by the trauma relayed on the page, I appreciated learning about the experiences of the nurses. Part one is set primarily in Vietnam and part two follows main character Frankie as she tries to adjust to civilian life. For me, part one is the most interesting as it describes life in the medical camps and the way people coped with the overwhelm of trying to rescue and comfort injured soldiers.

The weakest part is the lacking character development, especially among the secondary characters. Throughout, I could see the characters introduced only to forward Frankie’s plot—her Black fellow nurse Barb who drops everything for her again and again, every single man introduced pretty much as potential love interests for Frankie—and not given development and agency. I’d have loved to see this split into maybe three sections where Frankie is part one and parts two and three are Barb and another nurse. Alas.

Part two just didn’t work for me, as it becomes repetitive and at times unbelievable. There wasn’t enough in Frankie’s experience to hold my interest throughout. Also, the writing itself is a lot of telling with little showing. I wish we were shown Frankie’s relationship with her brother Fin, rather than just being told how close they were. Another big problem is there is so much foreshadowing, I knew/guessed everything that was coming. (I read a lot though, so it’s possible I’m more in tune with such things.)

This novel will work well for many readers, especially fans of historical fiction and love stories who don’t mind verbosity or purple prose. For me, I saw too many obvious machinations, it is too long by probably 150 pages, and the noticeable lack of character development hurt my reading experience. For novels set in Vietnam, I highly recommend <i>The Mountains Sing</i> and <i>Dust Child</i> by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai.

2.5 stars—interesting premise but lacking character development and a plot that lost my interest

My thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy.