Before diving into what worked and what didn’t, I’m going to lay it out clearly: if you liked Hannah’s previous three novels, you’ll find a lot to enjoy in "The Women." If you didn’t, you won’t find anything to convert you to fandom.

Even though I am a fan – she is an always read author – I’m growing weary of her trauma dumping. You don’t go into a story about a war expecting to feel good, but the depths of suffering Hannah put upon protagonist Frances “Frankie” McGrath reached new levels.

Much like in “The Four Winds,” our main character endures too much pain to be believable for a single person, and in many ways, it distracts from her main points: women are frequently overlooked heroes, and no one ever really leaves a war.

I say that more as a warning to readers than a recommendation to skip “The Women” – it’s definitely worth the time but temper your expectations. While this is in the lower echelon of novels I’ve read by the author, it’s still a solid effort. Hannah’s power as a wordsmith and master of weaving fact with fiction is nearly unparalleled in this genre.

Still, the shortcomings are difficult to ignore, but you can take these more as personal gripes. First, it's far too long with the last third dragging through a mess of repetitive plot points before gaining its footing. Second, there is hardly meaningful character development outside of Frankie. Third, the tonal inconsistencies are jarring.

I’m probably being harsher on the author than other writers, because I know she has it in her to deliver an all-engrossing, stellar read. While “The Women” had its moments, I was ready for it to end. With that said, I never considered giving up on it, because I knew Hannah would make the journey pay off for the reader – and she did with an understated, full circle ending.

This novel will undoubtedly stir difficult and complicated feelings for Boomer readers as she holds no punches documenting the backlash that returning American soldiers faced as the war grew in unpopularity. As a Millennial whose immediate family members were not drafted, it was a surprising and dark footnote.

While Hannah stated a few instances of fudging facts to fit her narrative, this is essentially a true to life recounting of various Vietnam War conflicts – both “in country” and on the homefront. It will anger, challenge and inform readers too young to live through this era, and it certainly piqued my interest to seek out additional perspectives, with several spotlighted in the author’s note.

I didn't love 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 but omg did Kristin Hannah redeem herself with 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝗪𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧. (PUB 02.02 Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC)

I love historical fiction. Specifically, I love historical fiction that is cleverly crafted, resiliently researched and compulsively readable. What I love in equal measure is that her books often focus on a lesser known chapter in history or a topic I know little to nothing about. Of course I know about the Vietnam War, but I was blindsided by the pivotal role women played in the conflict and how they were equally ignored.

This story packs a punch. It has what I've come to expect from Hannah-emotional and unapologetic writing that was immersive and vivid with characters that demonstrate strength, fortitude and vulnerability. I could almost hear the helicopters as my pulse started to race.

My dad was 22 when he served in Vietnam. It was impossible not to picture his face reflected in that of the characters. It hits close to home. I intentionally set it aside at Chapter 18 because I was so absorbed that I needed to take a step back to process and reflect. I appreciate how Hannah took a no holds approach to everything from battle to mental health (PTSD) both while in country and once back home. Unflinching and unforgettable.

FWIW: This is the 10th Kristin Hannah book I've read.

This book was just so good and opened my eyes to a piece of women's history that I previously knew nothing about. Kristin Hannah is a masterful writer and this story was so compelling and beautifully written.

This book wrecked me. There is no better author to write this story than the masterful Kristin Hannah. I'm not sure I can write a review that comes close to describing the feelings this book provoked in me. I received a copy of this book awhile ago and was hesitant to read it because I knew how amazing it was going to be and I wanted to savor that.

This one hits close to home as I'm a military wife and my husband was stationed in Coronado. The book addresses so many important issues and highlights just some of the issues faced during and after a war. I also love the perspective coming from females who served in Vietnam. I really enjoyed the friendship between Frankie, Barb, and Ethel. It is amazing the bond that experiencing trauma together can create. This book is a tribute to the women (and some men) who sacrificed for our country and were not recognized. I will be thinking about this book for a long time. Grab some tissues and pick this one up, you will not regret it!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Women can be heroes too."

Good Lawd! This book broke me. It. BROKE. Me! And I know that's absolutely nothing compared to the brokenness our soldiers experience after fighting in wars and coming back home. This story focuses on the women who fight for our country. And it's no surprise that even in the military the women always end up getting the short end of the stick.

Note: This is a very heavy read with a lot of trigger warnings, so be sure to do your research before diving in.

Sheltered good girl Frances “Frankie” McGrath decides on a different path for her life and impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps, following her brother to the Vietnam War. She was not prepared for the amount of chaos and destruction she was quickly thrown into, despite her lack of experience. But she was even less prepared for the lack of respect and recognition, lack of resources available and the political unease and hostility surrounding America upon her return in the 70's.

Only Kristin Hannah can write such a badass MC and draw you into this devastating yet beautiful story with such beautiful and well-researched storytelling. This book is emotional, heartbreaking and infuriating, but in true Hannah fashion, hope, grit and determination prevail. Phew... I need a drink!

I was incredibly fortunate to receive both an ARC and an ALC for this book. Needless to say, Julia Whelan knocks it out of the park with her narration yet again. It was superb!

A huge thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press and the wonderful Kristin Hannah for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

And to "The missing. The forgotten. The brave. The women...." who selflessly serve in our military, Thank You from the bottom of my heart!

Kristin never fails to knock it out of the park when it comes to pulling you in and leaving you absolutely devastated and emotionally wrecked!
This is a beautiful story focused on the women of the Vietnam War, where many served as nurses, seeing things most can’t imagine. Much of this is told through the perspective of Frankie, who comes from a well-to-do San Diego family who takes prides in its heroes until it comes to her, joining the Army Nurse Corps. From falling in love to making lifelong friendships with the nurses working alongside her, she finds a purpose in being there for every soldier and civilian brought in. Upon chilly receptions returning home, Frankie and her colleagues, much like in real life, also dealt with people believing propaganda that there were no women in the Vietnam War, that they didn’t have PTSD or receive proper therapy after, resulting addictions, etc, not to mention the heartbreak of losing multiple loved ones in the war.
This was hard to read but so important and a story that will leave me thinking about it for a long time to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This comes out 2/6/24!

This was such a wonderful book. Everything Hannah writes is so thought out, well executed, and worth the read. This is definitely going to be another huge hit for her!

This novel took my heart out and stomped on it from so many directions.
Hannah pays tribute to all the women who served in Vietnam and doesn’t hold back with the raw emotions and graphic horror experienced by all who were there.
But good lord did Hannah put Frankie through every conceivable pitfall scenario. I thought she would not stop putting the poor woman through the wringer.
I honed in on one character who has a special relationship with Frankie and I correctly predicted part of the story, but then had my heart shattered in disappointment.
I loved the Seawolves, Barb and Ethel. They were true friends to Frankie.
It’s also a story about finding yourself and coming to grips with all the decisions one makes in life and leaning how to live with the consequences.

I read historical fiction to become immersed in a time and place and to get a perspective through the lens of people living in that era. I've only read three of Kristin Hannah's previous works, but they were all memorable for the characters and depictions of the time period. The Women is a similarly powerful work in following Frankie McGrath from an idealistic young woman from a patriotic family to a wartime nurse serving in Vietnam to a veteran returning to the US in a time of massive societal change and unrest. The story moves at a good clip but be warned that you'll be riding an emotional roller coaster - not only because of the historical time period, but all the pieces that make us human like family, love, loss, grief, friendship. This isn't a book to read in order to learn more about the Vietnam War, but it did make me pause to think about the women who served and what their experiences must have been like, the ways their lives were changed and the ways they lived their lives differently when they returned. 4.5/5 stars. Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the e-ARC.

Wow, such a well written book on some tough subjects.
While the main subject matter is about women and their roll in the Vietnam War , Kristen Hannah also breeches topics such as grief, racism, infidelity, love and mental health.
The idea of women serving in Vietnam never crossed my mind, or rather the lack of conversation about their service. I love the chronological POV from Frances (Frankie) ; a smart , tough young lady who is brought to her knees by loss, love ,war and rejection.
My heart broke for Frankie as well as real life Veterans . The experiences of this fierce OR Nurse were written to the point that you forget Frankie is a fictional character. Her life experiences before, during and after Vietnam truly bring her to life.
In so many ways this novel helped me to better understand the personal experiences I could see reflected in my husbands' experience after his tour in Iraq. While my husband did not encounter outright hatred for his service he did suffer from PTSD and fought some pretty tough demons ,too .However, like Frankie, he confided in friends and sought help, fighting for a better future.
I absolutely love how Frankie turned her tragic experiences into an avenue to help other come to terms with their own troubles.
Sure to be another best seller for Kristen Hannah!

Big thanks to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ability to read this ARC.

Kristin Hannah can do no wrong! What an amazing story bringing to light a side of history that is frequently not talked about-- Women in the war, actively fighting and seeing combat.

I enjoyed the set up of the book how it was during and post active combat. This book read like old Kristin Hannah novels, but none the less a 5 star read.

Wow! What a fantastic book. All the stars, all the emotions - I think this one might be my new favourite Kristin Hannah book (sorry The Great Alone… I still love you too.)

This was such a unique voice and story about the Vietnam war. I loved spending time with these young nurses who became brave heroes, best friends, and life-lines for each other. The author’s ability to capture the confusion and anger around the Vietnam War while layering in a captivating personal story of loss and hope is what truly makes this a great book.

I knew 1/4 of the way through I was rating this book 5 stars. I was IMMEDIATELY hooked, and when I tell you I don’t do historical novels, I don’t. BUT after reading The Four Winds, when I saw this come up as an ARC opportunity I applied. I am so glad I did. Kristin Hannah makes it feel like you are right there in the trenches with these women.

I’ve read another novel about the “Summer of Love” and it was truly eye-opening to see the other side of the 60’s. As someone whose grandfather fought in Vietnam, I found this book very intriguing, as it’s not talked a lot about in our family.

This book ripped my heart out and glued it back together quite a few times, for various reasons. I love when a story makes me emotional (whether it’s happy or sad), because that means I connect to it or the author has detailed so much that I feel like I’m there. Many times, this book offered both.

I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to learn a little bit more about the Vietnam war, while also dappling in a love story or two, and inspiring you at the same time!

This was such a powerful and heartbreaking story from the POV of women who were nurses during the Vietnam War. Frankie was such a strong, amazing, flawed character that survived so much and my heart broke for all the things she had to go through. This book shows the bravery of these women and the effects of PTSD. I absolutely couldn’t put this book down.

The first half of the book gives us a look at life during the war with lots of action and the second half is life post-war. This was a brutal and heartbreaking story that will stick with me for a long time. I think it was really important to get to see a different side of the war that I hadn’t heard about before. I was shocked by some of the things that took place!

Powerful, impactful, emotional, thought-provoking, and educational. Kristin’s incredible writing brought these characters to life in such a real way! I smiled, cried, and rooted for Frankie and the women of the war. The strong bonds and friendships were beautiful to read.

Frankie’s story was so raw and real! I felt her struggles and losses, throughout the book.
It did take me a long time to read the first 40% of the book, where the war stories were so visceral and tough to read. But after that I was hooked and read the rest of the book in 1 days
The ending had me in tears, as per usual to KH’s writing.
Thank you to net galley for the opportunity to read the newest book by one of my favorite authors!

I love Kristin Hannah's books and so I was excited to pick up her newest, and oh did I love this book.
This story and these characters will stick with me for a long time. I kept wanting to talk with my husband about the details of the Vietnam war and the women who served there - a subject I unfortunately, knew very little about.

This book was such a great combination of exploring a subject I didn't know much about, since I am not usually one to pick up any historical fiction, especially ones that center around wars, a compelling story that kept me reading and characters that I will not forget.

Kristin Hannah is such a great story teller, and this book may be one of her best yet!
I read this book on Kindle, but think that Julia Whelan's narration will really bring this story to life in the audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley and StMartinsPress for the ARC.

This book was phenomenal. I always love Kristin Hannah's historical fiction, but this one I can sincerely say I learned so much from this, plus it was a beautiful story that pulled at my heart strings. Don't believe anyone who says women were not in Vietnam. They suffered the same as the men, but were not considered war heroes and were turned away for help.

The beautiful way Hannah weaves history into this story of a woman coming of age during the Vietnam war and becoming a nurse in it kept me reading well into the night. I devoured this story, it grabbed me from the beginning. Highly recommend!

This was not an easy book to start or finish, but it is well worth it. It’s a hard read, especially the depiction of war and its ugly aftermath. I managed not to cry until the end, but this book will stick with me for a long time.

I am sure that much will be written about this book when it releases, but let me say that it will stay with me for a long time. Kristin Hannah is the master of weaving deep and nuanced historical fiction that makes us think and reimagines situations we thought we understood. The Women is a to,e about female nurses who served in Vietnam - their experiences in country and when they returned home. It follows Frankie McGrath from idealistic daughter to war battled kick ass nurse to PTSD riddled veteran trying to fight her way out of darkness. It’s a beautiful story that is so exquisitely written.

Content flags galore include combat action, drug and alcohol addiction, miscarriage, and the shameful treatment of returning veterans.

I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I'm going to be in the minority here, but I wasn't as big of a fan of this one as I have been of other Kristin Hannah books. I'm not sure if it was just the content of the storyline, Vietnam and war are not really topics that I ever really gravitate towards, but I figured it was Kristin Hannah, how can I go wrong, but it still had a hard time holding my interest.
If you're a Kristin Hannah fan, you will still find the traditional "recipe for success" in this story, as she always delivers, this one just wasn't my cup of tea.