I did-not-finished at 60% of the audiobook.
I wanted to like this book from the plot and themes it would dive into, but I could not get behind the characters and storyline of this. I was very intrigued for the first 30% or so but the plot points seemed too convenient and the characters fell flat for me. There are so many paragraphs of random information that didn’t tie into the plot, which left me forgetting what the point of anything was. The writing style didn’t give me a sense of emotion. While I enjoyed the historical aspects I learned from this, I think there are better ways to get this information than through this story.
Thanks NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook version of The Women by Kristin Hannah. Narrated by Julia Whelan (the best!) I didn't wanted to stop listening to this story of Frances "Frankie" McGrath, an idealistic young woman who enlists as a nurse in Vietnam.
Frankie, the daughter from a wealthy San Diego family, takes off for the war just as she learns that her beloved older brother, a naval officer, was killed by when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire. Once she arrives, she quickly realizes how unprepared she is for the horror of war, especially this particular war.
Hannah does a heroic job of portraying the realities
of what the American troops faced in Vietnam, the foreignness of the landscape, the crushing heat and drenching monsoon season, the blood, the mud, the overwhelming deaths of men barely out of high school.
She also attempts to describe the horrific impact on the innocent Vietnamese people, including the children.
It is heartbreaking.
Amidst this chaotic landscape, there are the more personal stories of friendship, romance, and sacrifice.
Frankie is quickly taken under the wings of Barb and Ethel, two experienced combat nurses who teach her how to survive in Nam. Their bond is one of the best parts of this novel, especially as the women return home to an often hostile and unpredictable situation in America, where veterans are treated more like war criminals than heroes.
The novel is split into two halves: the war "over there" and the quieter but at times equally devastating war at home as the veterans face reentry into civilian life. I learned so much about this war, and the hardships faced by those who fought in it.
Could this book possibly have been a bit shorter? Yes, and is Hannah is known for doing in other novels, the miseries that Frankie must face seem a lot even for a combat nurse. But I'm giving this book a wholehearted 5 stars for its scope, the research put into it, and the story that will stay with me for a very long time.

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah, renowned for her masterful storytelling in works like “The Nightingale” and “The Four Winds,” delivers a powerful narrative set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1960s in America. This novel intricately weaves together the personal journey of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nursing student, with the broader canvas of a nation grappling with war and political turmoil. Frankie’s decision to join the Army Nurse Corps in the midst of the Vietnam War marks a pivotal moment of self-discovery and courage as she navigates the chaos and trauma of conflict, both abroad and at home. Through Frankie’s eyes, Hannah illuminates the often-overlooked contributions and sacrifices of women in times of war, offering a poignant tribute to their resilience and heroism. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, “The Women” is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking exploration of one woman’s journey and the collective experience of a generation.

I absolutely loved this book! It brought back so many memories of that time in my life. I was in high school when the Vietnam War was happening. So many of the boys that I was friends with were so nervous about what draft numbers they would be assigned. I was so relieved to discover that my own brother had gotten a very high number and that his hearing loss was significant enough to eliminate him from being sent to Vietnam. I remember that my friends and I had all purchased POW bracelets and wore them every day no matter what. The 1960’s through the 1970’s was a very volatile time. The spread of communism was a major concern, the assassination of President Kennedy was still fresh on everyone’s minds and then the draft was established for Vietnam and so many young boys were called upon to serve their country. As I look back now, especially after reading The Women by Kristin Hannah, I have to admit that I knew so little about what really occurred during that war, especially to the women who served so courageously.

Frances “Frankie” McGrath was brought up on Coronado Island. Frankie and her older brother, Finley, were as close as any brother and sister could be. Finley had just been enlisted by the Navy to serve his country in Vietnam. Frankie’s parents had thrown a party for Finley to celebrate his departure. During the party, Frankie found herself in her father’s office. Above her father’s desk was the “wall of heroes”. All the men in Frankie’s family that had bravely fought in a war were represented on that wall. It was that particular night that Frankie decided that her picture would also hang among the other heroes in her family.

Frankie had recently completed her nursing degree and was working in a hospital. She would volunteer to become a nurse in Vietnam. Frankie was discouraged at first when the Navy, Air Force and Marines told her that she needed to complete at least two years of training stateside before they would even consider sending Frankie to Vietnam, and then it was still doubtful. Not ready to give up, Frankie went to the army recruitment center and was met with positive results. Frankie was recruited by the army and was leaving for Vietnam in a couple of weeks. From now on, Frankie would be known as Lieutenant Frances McGrath. Frankie’s parents were not pleased with her decision. They argued that girls had no place in war. Why had she chosen to do this? There was no talking her out of it.

When Frankie arrived in Vietnam as part of the Army Nurse Corps, she immediately questioned her decision for coming to this country. She had not known what she was expecting but it was not what she saw. There was no easing her way into things. Frankie was immediately made a surgical nurse even though she had no prior training. Any amount of training, though, could never had prepared Frankie for the severity of wounds that she would encounter in Vietnam. They were gruesome and terrifying but Frankie had to make herself numb to the things she saw. Frankie had to learn how to assist the surgeon she was working with and hold the hands of too many dying soldiers. She never imagined that Vietnam would be this bad. Her two bunk members, Ethel and Barb, became her best friends and saviors. The three women developed the kind of friendship that lasted a lifetime. Frankie had originally signed up for one tour or a year’s commitment but near the end of her first year, Frankie knew she could not go home yet. They needed her in Vietnam. She had become an excellent surgical nurse. Even though Frankie was affected by the bombs, the many orphaned and injured children that were brought to the triage center and the numerous deaths she was made to witness, Frankie was proud of all the accomplishments and differences she had made in Vietnam.

It was finally time for Frankie to leave Vietnam and go home to Coronado Island. Both Ethel and Barb had been stateside for a while. When Frankie’s plane landed and she exited the plane, she was not expecting what awaited her. As she made her way off the plane, a large group of protesters were gathered. Frankie was spit at, avoided, called out for killing women and children and told to go back to where she came from. There were no “thank you for serving her country “ or any words of appreciation for her service. This was not anything Frankie could have anticipated. Even Frankie’s parents were embarrassed by her time she served in Vietnam. They would not recognize or honor Frankie’s time in Vietnam. Frankie had a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Every time she heard a loud noise she thought she was back in Vietnam under attack. Frankie was having difficulty sleeping without waking up from terrifying nightmares about Vietnam. The worst thing about being home was that no one believed her when she told them she was in Vietnam. If Frankie heard one more person say, “ there were no women in Vietnam “ she would scream. Not only was she there but she saved more lives than she ever expected to, lost too many friends and survived to come home. Frankie was not the young naive girl she was when she left anymore. Vietnam had changed her. Why did everyone Frankie came in contact with deny that women had served in Vietnam?

When I discovered that Kristin Hannah had written a new book I was so excited! The Women was such a moving book. I was totally captivated by the premise for this book especially since it explored the role of women in the Vietnam War. Never once, had I ever heard the mention of any women or any of their contributions in this war. I applaud Kristin Hannah for her meticulous research and for bringing these incredible, brave and courageous women to life and for telling their stories. The Women was about bravery, friendships, family, dangers, courage, PTSD, adjustments, acceptance, learning how to move on, substance abuse and the effects of war. I listened to the audiobook that was brilliantly read by Julia Whelan, one of my most favorite narrators. In my opinion, The Woman was one of the best books that Kristin Hannah has ever written. It touched all my emotions. I thought I knew a lot about the Vietnam War but apparently I was mistaken. The brave women who placed their lives in danger and gave selfishly to help the wounded have earned my respect and honor. Thank you for all you did and for all you suffered when you returned home. Kristin Hannah’s author note at the conclusion of The Women was inspiring and very informative. The Women was a true five star book for me and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Women by Kristin Hannah through Netgalley in exchange for an honest and voluntary review

This book changed my life! This is definitely one of my top ten favorite books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction!
"The Women" by Kristin Hannah educated me about a lot I did not know- about the Vietnam War and how women were treated during this time. I found it particularly interesting because I was born in '68 and the Vietnam War was 1955-1975, so it really is history that partly occurred during my lifetime that I didn't know much about.

Francis a.k.a. Franky McGrath is a nurse who volunteers to go to Vietnam. She is sent to the front lines and eventually does trauma surgery nursing for the army. The first part of the book depicts this time during the war and her service in it. We also get to know about her roommates, Barb and Ethel who become her truest friend ever. The second half of the book is after she returns home. Her father does not believe women can be heroes and is ashamed that she has gone to war. There are 2 true love stories in this book and a third serious romantic relationship.

The characters are all very well-defined complex people. The descriptions are detailed and easily visualized.
The story line is interesting and keeps moving along. I was really engaged by this book. I look forward to reading other books by Kristen Hannah, as this was my first and I'm very impressed by her writing skill.
Julia Whelan provided the narration with excellent voice acting for every character. She kept them apart. She voiced them with drama as appropriate. She kept a steady pace and it was an easy voice to listen to. I highly recommend this narrator for future audiobooks.

Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio and Kristen Hannah for providing this audio book in exchange for my honest review.

This is one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful books I've ever come across.

Kristin Hannah makes you feel as if you are there - in Vietnam, back in the US being disrespected, struggling with life, all of it.

Frankie was both a strong and fragile characters. She enlists as a nurse thinking she will make her father proud - carrying on the family legacy. But it couldn't be further from the truth. Frankie isn't perfect. She doesn't make all the right choices. But she is real. Through her, Hannah gives us the reality of all the "Frankies" who served in the Vietnam War. And it is clear she has done so much research!

The female friendships in this book were probably my favorite part. And while I seldom cry while reading, this one got me.

Julia Whelan was amazing as the narrator!

It will be a top read of 2024 for certain! And maybe of all time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I just finished listening to The Women, written by Kristin Hannah and narrated by Julia Whelan, and all I have to say is WOW!

I’ve been sitting on this audio, thanks to an advance listen from NetGalley, and now, I am wondering why I waited so long to listen.

This book was so, so, so, so good. And, as always, Julia Whelan knocked it out of the park with her narration. She is the absolute BEST narrator out there! 🤩

And, while this book is a work of fiction, I learned SO much about the Vietnam War and the women who served (yes, SERVED) in the war. I cried with these women as they endured so much during the war and cried with them when they reentered the “real” world after their tours.

I just loved Frankie. I had so much empathy for her — what she experienced before leaving for Vietnam, for what she saw and dealt with during Vietnam, and for when she returned to California.

Frankie just wanted LOVE - to love and be loved. I lost it when her dad finally showed that he was proud of her.

What a listen! I am by no means a history buff, actually the opposite, but this book was absolutely fantastic.

Do yourself a favor and read it or listen to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
LOVED IT! (Also because I LOVE listening to Julia Whelan!)

Wow! Kristen Hannah has weaved a story that will make you feel all of the emotions, all of the time. There are some really hard scenes/topics. I could only imagine what it would be like to read this book having lost someone in the Vietnam war, having loved someone who was there, etc. Please read with caution. I am voraciously looking for reviews from the generation of readers who were there, whether at war or at home. My beloved uncle was a Vietnam veteran who later passed away. I’ve heard bits and pieces from my family talking about the Vietnam war and about my Uncle Burt. But before he passed, I was too young to know the importance of his service. I’ve always had respect for it, of course. But reading this book affected me in a way I did not expect. I am deeply moved by the sacrifices of the men and the women in Vietnam. This book focuses on the women. As it should. The stories are breathtaking. And the way that our veterans were treated outrageous. One of the best parts of this book is the theme of friendship. In the way that Kristen Hannah does when she is at her best, she captures the imperfect relationship and intricacies of loyalty. Her characters are fallible, they feel very real. This is not an easy read. I found myself having to take deep breaths, and the imagery will definitely stay with me. Enjoy the historical part of it as far as the learning piece. I researched so many things that I just had vaguely heard about or never heard about.

Heads up- There were times in the first part of the book that began to feel cliché or very predictable. And some of the parts are a bit predictable, but in a way that makes sense. I just come from reading a phenomenal five star historical fiction book and I had very high hopes for this book from Kristen Hannah. So there were times in the first part where I was worried that it was just not going to live up to what I wanted it to be. So, if you’re feeling that way, when you read it, keep reading. This is an important read. It’s one that will stay with you and hopefully help educate many on the women of Vietnam.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Women is a book that I have now finished and can already tell is going to stick with me for years to come. I loved the author’s note at the end talking about her experience writing this book and that it took her more than 10 years to write. To be able to recognize and wait to write a book that is about such a heavy, serious topic was incredible and I believe it made this book that much better. The fact that the cities, bases, and hospitals were all factual took this book from a “wow, I liked this book” to a “what an incredible book” for me. It was well written, like all her works I’ve read so far, and the narrator for the audiobook was absolutely perfect. I have already recommended it to everyone I know and even my husband, being in the Air Force, is intrigued and has started reading it. This has got to be my favorite Kristin Hannah book by far.

4.5 stars - I’ve never read a book where the focus was on the Vietnam War so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book. Although this story is fiction, I learned so much more about the war, the women who served their country, and the struggles they went through returning home.

My heart broke for Frankie in this book. First she loves her brother, but then she loses two men who she loved and lost herself in the process too. Her relationship with her parents, especially her dad, was also so sad. When you’re struggling through PTSD the people close to you and who love you should be there to support you. And her parents let her down. It also made me so angry every time Frankie tried to get help and would just get turned away. I loved her lifetime friendship with Ethel and Barb, who were some badass women themselves. I’m so glad in the end she found herself again, and did what she needed to take care of herself and others who were suffering. Her reunion with Jamie at the end and how her father finally SAW her in the end were truly heartwarming.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for allowing me access to this book.

Wow! I don’t know if I can put into words how good this book was! I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Francis McGrath, and her journey as a Vietnam war nurse. This book was so well written. It had me laughing, it had me thinking, it had me smiling, and it definitely had me crying. What a great book!

Do not wait another minute to start reading/listening to The Women! The audiobook is beautifully narrated by the talented Julia Whalen! Kristin Hannah has again completely touched my heart and soul- The Women is definitely on my favorite book list! Truly and brilliantly researched and written! This story evoked quite a range of emotions-love, fear, anger, happiness, courage, grief and many tears. It left such an impression; one that will last a very long time! I didn't want the book to end and look forward to soaking up this story again and again!

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced audiobook

My first five-star read of 2024, and I am admittedly (and weirdly proudly) stingy with that fifth star. As soon as I saw that it was on the horizon I knew I had to read it. And when I started seeing reviews pop up on social media, the vast majority were so good that I began to worry I'd be disappointed after so much hype, so I tried to ignore them and make sure I listened ASAP. I was not disappointed. With this book Kristin Hannah broke my heart, made me angry and nostalgic, she made me feel, and made me remember. I loved the main character, Frankie McGrath, with all her strengths and faults, and I loved the two women who helped her survive and eventually thrive, not only in the early months of her service in Vietnam, but in the difficult years after she returned home to a world she had difficulty understanding. So much of it isn't easy to read/hear - but it's most definitely important. And as for the audiobook - well there's nothing to say other than Julia Whelan's narration is perfection.
A little background that no doubt informs my feelings & opinions: The time period covered was my own "coming of age" era. Frankie McGrath, the woman whose journey represents all those women who served at that time, is only about 7 years older than me. But those seven years were important ones at the time. The year the POWs were released, 1973, was the year my husband graduated from college and received an Air Force commission, the year we married, the year he began his 24-year career as an Air Force pilot. We both wore POW bracelets in college and I still remember the name on my bracelet. In the early years of my husband's career, he served with several former POWs, as well as many other pilots who'd served in the war. I got to know their wives, as well as some nurses who'd no doubt served there. And yes, we heard some stories. So when Hannah says she did serious research, I believe her. It rings true for me.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Frankie McGrath comes from a proud Navy family where the men always serve their country. When her brother goes to war, she decides to do her part as a nurse. What she discovers in Vietnam, and after she comes home, breaks her heart, but it will change who she is.

This is Hannah at her finest: strong women, trauma, and significant historical moments. I loved every moment of reading this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. Kristin Hannah did it again! I have loved her in the past and continue to love her books now. She has a way to bring you into the story. I especially liked this story as it brings you as a woman into the war scene to think about what you would feel or do in Vietnam. Overall, a great read!

Kristen Hannah is back at it, writing real, nuanced women throughout US history, now landing in the era of the Vietnam War. I went into this book expecting the story of a cast of badass women nurses in Vietnam; this book was so much more. I was very impressed by the large scope that was balanced by dynamic pacing. I wish there was more in the author’s note about the intensive research that went into this book. I was shocked to learn the truth that so many people reinforced “there were no women in Vietnam” to women’s faces!

Julia Whelan is always a gift of an audiobook narrator and here is no exception. Injecting the dialogue with her characteristic warmth and depth of emotion, Whelan beautifully brings this evocative story to light.

Disclaimer: I received an audiobook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kristin Hannah is the queen of historical fiction, and The Women is right up there with her best. The story follows Frankie McGrath as she enlists as a nurse in the army during the Vietnam war. At first I couldn’t imagine how the story could be so long, but Kristin Hannah knows what she’s doing. Part 1 chronicles Frankie’s time in Vietnam and Part 2 is her return home and the aftermath that ensues. I found myself at the edge of my seat, crying along with Frankie. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, with many triggers of addiction and miscarriage naming a couple. If you love Kristin Hannah, and you’re ready for an epic chronicling the lack of support for women that served in Vietnam, go for it. I left this one sad, upset, but ultimately grateful that these women’s stories were highlighted. Also, Julia Whelan was the perfect narrator…she was Frankie to me. I’d definitely listen to this one.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

The Women by Kristin Hannah: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: ALC from MacMillan Audio

I feel like I’ve made it big time for getting this ALC! Huge thank you to MacMillan Audio for the ALC of The Women from NetGalley. The audiobook was done by one of the best, The audiobook was done by Julia Whelan. This was my first Kristin Hannah book and WOW, I understand the hype! Running to put her other books on my TBR now!

This novel told me a story that I know very little about. Although the Vietnam War was not that long ago, I don’t know a lot of the history. The Women is both informative and impactful in a way that only a truly well researched novel can be! In the author’s note (read aloud in the audiobook by the author herself!) Hannah explains why she was drawn to write about the Vietnam War. The idea first came to her in 1997! She cites many books & memoirs of first hand accounts, and collaborations with nurses and soldiers who served in the War.

Frances “Frankie” McGrath is our main character, and its impossible not to root for her. She’s a very young woman at the onset of the book, and we follow her life and experiences for decades throughout the book. A big portion of the book focuses on her time spent in Vietnam as a nurse, but the second half details her experience as a veteran after returning home from the war. The reader really connects with Frankie and the emotional, tragic, and sadly realistic journey that she goes through.

Overall, this book was perfect and an easy 5 stars from me. There is not one thing that I would change about it and I highly recommend it!

I love Kristen Hannah ‘s books however, I was a little bit reluctant to read this book in the beginning, because of the time period it was based in. The Vietnam war doesn’t typically catch my attention. I’m usually a World War II era fan, however, this book was incredible. It’s written into two parts. The first part is when the main character, Frankie, signs up for the Army to go serve as a nurse in the Vietnam War. Some of the scenes when she is working during traumas is a bit graphic, and very detailed, but accurate and necessary. It details all of the struggles that women faced during that time and how lowly they were viewed and portrayed as if they were unable to serve their country. The second part of the book is based after she completes her service and returns home. The struggle she goes through to come back to civilian life after the war and the complications that veterans face, especially women, after having served in a time where women weren’t considered important or having served in Vietnam at all. It’s a beautifully written book and the narrator is FANTASTIC. I recommend that anyone and everyone listen to this book.

This is a definite 5 star read. Frankie heads off to VietNam to become a nurse and runs right into the harsh realities of war. She forms lifelong friendships and suffers heartbreak, addiction and PTSD. This is one of those attention grabbing books that you hope will never end. This will be a 2024 stand out book!