Incredible. Powerful. Heartbreaking. Important. This novel examines the turmoil of the Vietnam War from the perspective of women who truly were there. I spent the entire story utterly hooked. I felt shock, pain, hope, and so much more throughout. In a vast literary span, these stories need to be told. We need to know more.

The audiobook is read by Julia Whelan. We all know how incredible she is. She brings voice to each character with emotional depth.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and author Kristin Hannah for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The main character, Frankie, signs up to be an army nurse in Vietnam during the war so that she can be close to her naval academy brother who is stationed there. "I went to war to find my brother but instead I found myself." The story follows Frankie and her family pre war, when she decides to go and serve in vietnam, her time stationed at an army hospital during the war, her return home, and then her life in America post war. She vividly shares what Frankie saw during her time in the army hospital- severed limbs, shrapnel in body, helicopter attacks, holding soldiers hands as they breathed their last and more. She talks about her relationships with the other army nurses and surgeons nad what they did to survive emotionally and physically each day. When she returns from war no one acknowledges that she was serving in Vietnam and everyone assumes she is married to a soldier. She tries to seek out resources and she repeatedly hears "there were no women in the Vietnam War." What happens when someone she loves dies? What happens when her dad doesn't even acknowledge her as a hero? What happens when she asks for mental health help and she is told that she didn't fight in war. How much will Frankie do to have women recognized for the way she served? How will she cope with the playbacks in her mind of the war?

I fell in love with Frankies character through Kristin Hannahs writing of her. I loved her friendship with Ethel and Barb (the other army nurses she worked with) and the deep bond they formed.

I think a lot of people will think that the book dragged on (the second half is about Frankies life post war) and I can totally see how people wished it ended earlier. However I loved each part of her life so I didn't mind. Alt title: to all the soliders I've loved before

Thank you to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This book is now available and I recommend you getting a copy!

This book absolutely wrecked me. From start to finish, I couldn’t get enough of the story and of the main character, Frankie. I found myself comparing Frankie to me, and we have so many similarities. She doesn’t care what others think, what the society norm is, but the approval of her parents still means the world. She’s tough to love and not quick to say love you. I found myself learning so much about this time of history, as there are not many books about the Vietnam war and I was not alive during it. I primarily read thrillers, but Kristin Hannah is one of the few that can bring me to read historical fiction. Her books are so captivating and the writing absolutely beautifully done. This book focuses a lot on coming of age, especially in war and extenuating circumstances, as well as love and grief and navigating PTSD when it wasn’t even a diagnosis yet. I did a lot of reading with the physical copy while also listening to the audio because Julia Whelan does such an amazing job. She is one of my favorite narrators and always has me looking forward to listening to books!

This was absolutely spectacular!
Kristin Hannah is always a win for me, but this is honestly one of her best. Raw, devastating, and deeply emotional—this book puts a spotlight on the often overlooked women who served in Vietnam. It delves deep into the darkness that all too frequently accompanies those who have seen the violence and devastation of war, as well as the ways society has turned its back on veterans and has ultimately failed them. But this is so much more than just a “war novel”… This is a story about the bonds of friendship, the empowerment of women, strength, courage and metamorphosis.

The beginning throws the reader right into the thick of the Vietnam War. (Be prepared for detailed depictions of war violence and graphic medical gore.) This section was so real and so powerful it gave me goose bumps and tugged at every emotion you can name. Kristin Hannah shows the skill of her craft here, and had me fully living inside the lives and minds of these characters in a way that only she knows how to do. Her extensive research and attention to detail shows, and helps immerse you completely into this tragic story.

But this book isn’t just about The Women—the unsung heroes of Vietnam. It is also about life in a post-Vietnam world. It speaks to the veterans who lost themselves; to their difficulties reintegrating into society; and to society’s resistance to try to understand (or even acknowledge) the horrors they experienced. It speaks to the alienation they faced, and to our government’s massive failure to help those of them who most needed support.

Kristin Hannah is at the top of her game here, no doubt about it. This is my 5th KH book and it’s right up there with my favorites, The Four Winds and The Nightingale. And I can’t forget to mention the fantastic audiobook narration… @justjuliawhelan is an expert at her craft and made listening to this an extremely enjoyable experience. 10/10 would recommend. Thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was another masterpiece from Kristin Hannah! It was beautifully done from a point of view we don’t hear often enough. Frankie was so raw and relatable, everything she went through was told in an elegant way. The narrator did a beautiful job with the authors words.

Rated 4.5 stars!

“𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑽𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒏𝒂𝒎, 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒓.”

I was so excited to get a chance to listen to this book before it came out! KH is one of my favorite authors and I also loved the narrator for the audiobook so this was a big win. ❤️

The Women is set in 1965 and features Francis “Frankie” McGrath who has recently followed her brother by joining the Army Nurse Corps. Frankie will save so many men, but will also endure the pain of watching many more die. Fighting sexism even across an ocean, she gains quick nursing experience night after night with men flown in. Missing limbs, gun shot wounds, and so much more, Frankie not only attends to the US army, but also to the innocent farmers and victims of the Vietnamese people.

What started as a survival in ‘Nam, turns into a survival at home. She thought she’d be coming home a hero, but quickly finds out her service is shameful to others. By her family, her friends, and even her own country. Everyone wants Frankie to forget Vietnam, but she’s not sure she can.

This book pulled all of my emotions. I was filled with fury at the injustice she and her fellow veterans faced. The disgrace of our government sending citizens off to fight a war we continually kept losing and then lying about it. The betrayal of Frankie’s family and surrounding community who continually told her that “women didn’t go to Vietnam” and “this is for men who saw combat” made me feral. 😠

While sometimes Frankie’s character disappointed me, I loved her resilience and fight to be alive. KH provided a book that was well-researched, emotional, and thought-provoking.

Kristin Hannah's books have been recommended to me repeatedly, but what sealed the deal on me reading THE WOMEN was that Julia Whelan narrated it. I would listen to her read shopping lists and instructions, and I’m glad I experienced her narration of this book. I understand now what everyone says about Hannah’s books being emotionally heavy and an amazing ride.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction, but this is my first Vietnam hf. I’ve read books in the era, but nothing so focused on the war. I learned new things, enjoyed the pacing, and fell in love with the characters, which this last one, for hf, is a big deal for me. In any book, I have to feel one way about the characters, but in an hf book, if I’m not emotionally attached, it becomes just a history book.

Frankie is a character that I really enjoyed following her journey. She was human and flawed, but she made choices to make herself happy at a time when most women stayed the status quo. I rooted for her and wanted her to succeed. And I loved her friendship group. Knowing there were strong women like Frankie and her friends in Vietnam makes me proud.

Would I recommend listening to this while incapacitated in bed with the flu for days? I would make sure you have a strong stomach. But Whelan’s narration is extremely soothing and makes for a great listen. Thank goodness for audiobook timers!

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook!

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Content Warnings: war & war injury/trauma, blood, medical trauma, child death, alcohol & drug abuse, miscarriage, misogyny, racism, infidelity, ptsd, grief

First off a big thank you to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and Kristin Hannah for an advance copy of The Women! Happy pub week to this absolutely INCREDIBLE book!! I don’t even know where to start with this one, I believe it may start off slow for some but you must keep going and power through. I truly savored every moment of watching Frankie grow as a person, a coworker, a lover, and a friend throughout her time in Vietnam and also her time back home. I felt every emotion possible while reading this one and actually shed tears. It was absolutely amazing to read a story about the women in Vietnam as it seems like there isn’t much written about the topic. The narrator (ok but Julia Whelan can do no wrong) did an amazing job making you feel as if you were in the OR with Frankie. Can we also give an honorable shout out to her besties Ethel & Barb for being some bad ass women too! This is definitely a breathtaking and fantastic historical fiction book and I urge you to pick up your own copy!

I was intrigued by the perspective this would provide on American history—the premise of untold female war stories from Vietnam was interesting. I think Hannah accomplished her goal here but it was a bit tropey for me still in the cast of supporting characters. Would’ve liked more of Barb’s perspective and for her to be written perhaps in partnership with a Black author, she felt like an amalgamation of tropes instead of a full fleshed out character.

I listened to the audiobook read by Julia Whelan and was able to follow along without my mind wandering. I loved the voices of each character and Julia’s pleasant voice that was filled with animation. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook!

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that was set during the Vietnam War before. I was curious to read the book because my dad and father-in-law are both veterans of the war and I had an uncle that died in Vietnam. His name is posted on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. mentioned at the end of the book.

I enjoyed reading about Frankie’s journey during and after the war. I found the first half of the book to be much more exciting and interesting than the second half which focuses on Frankie’s life after the war. The writing was full of vivid descriptions that gave a full picture of what Frankie was experiencing at the time. I often felt sadness, anger, and heartache right along with Frankie. I learned a lot about the war, the beautiful landscape of the country, and the people that lived there. I loved the friendship and support she had with Barb and Ethel. They truly became sisters because of the events they experienced together. I was happy when Frankie was able to move forward in life and find the contentment she was looking for. This is an emotional read that opens one’s eyes to the mental and physical trauma of war and I can’t get it out of my head! I can’t seem to find the right words to express my thoughts and feelings about it. All I can say is YOU’VE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!! It would be perfect for book clubs that are looking for historical fiction not set during WWII.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

The Women is a poignant commentary on war, military service, governmental transparency, race discrimination, gender discrimination, and ultimately mental health. I appreciated that the characters were flawed but lovable. The book challenges the reader to understand both sides of the divide between the American public in that time of turmoil. I loved it and will think of it for years to come.

An all time favorite author - I really am embarrassed to know so little about the Vietnam war. KH has opened my eyes and heart to the veterans that served and of course The Women!

Everyone has been saying how much they cried and I’m sitting here with dry eyes. Oops. Some of the romance was too unrealistic for me - in terms of outcomes. I’m guessing the publisher wanted a happy ending but I would have been okay with a different ending.

I was surprised so little of the book took place during the war. Really focusing on the after effects and that is so important. Kudos to the author and I look forward to hearing her talk at an author event next week.

My first Kristin Hannah novel!

This story was gut wrenching but incredible. I learned so much about the Vietnam war and how women played a part. I have gained some serious respect for veterans after reading this. It teaches an important lesson of empathy and how easy it is to turn a blind eye to something you don't understand. As well as how misinformation can destroy lives.

This is a heavy read. I don't typically read historical fiction because it can be filled with uncomfortable subject matter but that's exactly why it's important to read. I hope this novel opens me up to other important stories.

Thank you for the ALC NetGalley and St. Martin's Press!

Kristin Hannah’s story of American nurses in 1960s Vietnam packs an emotional punch. Common knowledge said there were no women serving in Vietnam. But there were. Frances (Frankie) McGrath changed the trajectory of her life when she joined the Army Nurse Corps to follow her older brother in serving the country. The Women is her journey of service to the country and the aftermath.

This is one of those novels when I wished to have time to listen straight through. Julia Whelan’s narration was perfect. She’s one of the top-notch narrators today and I never go wrong choosing audio when she’s on board. She brought the emotion necessary in this novel.

The author’s note and acknowledgment are read by Kristin Hannah. I appreciated the information.

Highly recommended.

Wow, Kristin Hannah has done it again. Right from the start, I was enthralled by the main character and her grit. Hannah knows how to write a female driven story so well which hits all of my emotions. I enjoyed the female friendships, found family, self discovery and ultimately the self acceptance. Julia Whalen never disappoints as a narrator as well. This will be one of my books of the year!

There were women in Vietnam.
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Nobody writes about the fragility of the human condition like Hannah. This book was anguish and hope, harrowing and heartbreaking. I lost track of the number of times I teared up. This woman has been brainstorming this book since 1997, and the mastery of the subject matter is on full display here.
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Frankie is a twenty-year-old nurse who joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1965 to follow in her brother’s footsteps and serve. She arrives in Vietnam and is immediately overwhelmed by the daily death and destruction. Through trauma and heartache, she forges an unbreakable sisterhood with two other nurses. When Frankie returns home, she is lost in the PTSD from two tours, in the public disdain for vets, and in the total rejection she feels every time someone says, “there were no women in Vietnam.” When all seems lost, her sister combat nurses are there to lift her up.
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Through it all, the women in this book find themselves in each other. Hannah pays tribute to combat nurses in this beautifully written book. The narration by @justjuliawhelan was perfection (as always). Thank you to @macmillanusa @macmillan.audio @stmartinspress for the ARCs and tote.
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The Women - Kristin Hannah
5/5⭐️
Pub Day: 2/6/25
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TWs: combat, addiction, loss, misogyny, PTSD, infidelity
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”Words were creators of worlds; you had to be careful with them.”
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“Had Mom always been a shadow woman, held together by vodka and hair spray?”
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“She felt like the last girl in a horror film, running for her life, but the danger wasn’t behind her, trying to catch up, it was inside her, trying to break out.”

The Women by Kristin Hannah is my new favourite of hers. I highly recommend it and the audio as well as the fabulous @justjuliawhelan narrates (y’all know I’ll listen to anything she narrates)

The Women follows Frankie as she enlists to become a nurse in Vietnam because “Women can be heroes too”. We follow as she creates bonds with people in Vietnam and the trauma and losses she endures as well. We get to feel everything Frankie does. When Frankie returns to America after serving her time, she realizes that people do not view women as heroes. That don’t even consider her a veteran and has to endure the cruelty all over again

Kristin Hannah has a way of making me take on every emotion of her characters. I swear I was crying for Frankie for the majority of the book and Frankie’s character will always be a part of me. I don’t want to go too deep and ruin the book for other.
The authors note and acknowledgements at the end sent me to into tears all over again. Kristin Hannah talked about how she wanted to write this story for a longtime but wanted to make sure she did it properly so she waited. She read first hand accounts of these women and talked to them and listened. The book went through a process to make sure it was as accurate as possible.

This will definitely be in my top 5 books of 2024. I highly recommend reading this one.

Another fantastic historical fiction novel by KRISTIN HANNAH.

The Women follows young Frankie McGrath as she joins the army as a nurse during the war in Vietnam to follow in her family's footsteps of military service. Frankie's experience in Vietnam is one of pain and fear, while also finding strength, friendship and love.

This novel depicts the often over-looked women who served in Vietnam, and the tumultuous country the veterans returned to. Frankie is a character you will be rooting for until the end.

As always, the audiobook narration by Julia Whalen was perfection.

"The Women" by Kristin Hannah is a powerful historical fiction novel with a strong female protagonist. Frankie, the main character, enlists in the Army Nurse Corps and this is her story.

This is a very important and emotional story about the men and WOMEN that served in Vietnam, and deals a lot with PTSD, women's rights, grief, love, friendship, and addiction. With her vivid imagery and detail I think Kristin Hannah did a really great job at portraying the heartbreak and devastation that took place during the war and you can tell that she did so much research.

I did not want to put this book down - it was so good!

I will definitely be reading more from Kristin Hannah :)

Infinity Stars!!! This was an absolute amazing story and incredible writing. I think this one will be with me for quite some time. I cried, I got so incredibly angry, I had my heart stomped on repeatedly and was shocked over and over and over again. I cannot gush about this book enough. I have been recommending it to anyone and everyone. I even wrote an email to my boss recommending it as a living book for the History teachers. Public school doesn’t usually incorporate living books, but I have in my science classes for years. It was worth a try in my book. I know it will be added to my soon to be high schoolers reading list once we get to that time period again.

The akwnoledgements discuss how she came to write this, who she spoke to, and extra books to read if you are interested in diving in further. I can tell you that I am all about grabbing those other books and learning more.

The audio: 5/5. She did an amazing job!