Kristin Hannah has outdone herself. I'm not traditionally a fan of wartime historical fiction (don't come at me, but all the WWII stories feel the same to me). The Vietnam War setting was totally different (obviously) and I was so enthralled --- horrified, but enthralled. Experiencing the war (and the aftermath at home) through Frankie's journey was somehow both emotionally devastating and empowering in the best way. I cannot recommend this book enough! (less)

This story will stay with me for some time. It's about the nurses, or Women, who DID go to Vietnam to serve their country during the war. The book describes the horrors for everybody 'in country', the doubts sneaking in on the war's justification, the chilly welcome when they came home, and the very first acknowledgment of the PTSD these service men and women suffered after fighting a hellish war. All collected in Frankie McGrath's very personal story.

In the afterword Hannah mentions that this is a story she wanted to write for some time, but she needed a certain level of maturity to do it justice. I'm so very glad she did.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this ARC.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have read many Kristin Hannah books and fell in love. This one was no different. Her plot and storyline suck you in. Her writing style makes you feel every single emotion of the characters. The narrator did a wonderful job reflecting pain and telling the story. I do think reading vs. listening to Kristin Hannah's book are different. I read The Nightingale and The Four Winds and cried many times. While listening to this book, I didn't feel that emotional pull as much. I look forward to reading a physical copy when the book is published.

I can't say enough good things about Kristin Hannah and how impactful her storytelling is. I think every woman and man should read this gripping novel about the impact of nurses in the Vietnam War.

I had already read an ARC copy before requesting the ALC, and The Women is the kind of story that utterly destroys me because of my relationship with the Vietnam War so it was more I'm a glutton for punishment move. Julia Whelan brought The Women to life in the audiobook; the characters, the emotion, the voice inflections were absolute perfection.

Thank you so much for the gifted ALC, I cried so many times but like with all things Kristin Hannah, it was worth it.

This book. I was afraid this book would overwhelm me with sadness or break my soul. Instead I found myself drawn into a residual portrayal of courage and human tenacity. The topics in this book are still so relevant. Mental health awareness is needed.

I am a huge fan of Kristin Hannah, and was very much looking forward to this book. In my opinion, she’s got more range than any modern author, covering a wide range of topics, and doing them all brilliantly.

That said, this one felt a little too drawn out for me. I actually really enjoyed the first part of the book that was set in Vietnam. I had high hopes for the second half when the protagonist returned to the US, but it just seemed like so much happened to her (which I know is a hallmark of Ms. Hannah’s writing: strong women who can endure a lot!)

I learned so much about the Vietnam War, and it’s clear that there was a tremendous amount of research that went into this story. The details were fascinating, and I have so much respect for the amount of time that the author spent ensuring accuracy. I love books that teach me new things, and this was one of them.

I firmly believe that even a “not so favorite” book from Kristin Hannah is better than the majority of books that are out there. Definitely worth a read, but not one of my favorites of hers.

As far as the audio version of this book, Julia Whelan was brilliant (as always!)

Book: The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Fiction, Historical, War & Military
Places Featured: San Diego, California, Vietnam
Review Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Kristin Hannah has done it again. If you haven’t read her books before—they are usually sweeping epics that cover an important time in history by following a strong, but plagued heroine. The Women follows that tradition and focuses on Frankie McGrath, a strong young woman who has grown up surrounded by Navy families on Coronado Island in San Diego, California. She’s on the path to the life her parents have always wanted for her (a respectable—female-oriented—job, a husband, and children) when the Vietnam War hits close to home and Frankie feels the call to help. She becomes a nurse, joins the Army, and ships off to Vietnam…before she’s even 21-years-old. What follows is a harrowing tale of the realities of war—what she sees, hears, and feels over two years in a “conflict” that no one quite understands. Frankie thinks the hardest part of her life is behind her when she returns home, but she isn’t ready for what her parents think, how veterans are treated and the trauma that haunts her every day. It’s a powerful book with an important story that covers so many emotions and so many topics—I highly recommend it. (Read by the award-winning Julia Whelan, it’s also a great audiobook. I actually just recommended it to someone who wants to give audiobooks a try.)

(I also think it is a GREAT selection for a book club and created a book club guide available here: https://travelbooksandmovies.com/f/book-club-guide-the-women-by-kristin-hannah)

*I was given a version of this book for free in exchange for an honest book review--thank you to @netgalley and @Macmillan.Audio. The book will be released on 6 February 2024.

Excellent narrator and compelling story. It is so good to see the nurses side of the Vietnam War and the long term effects it had on their lives. Frankie, Ethel and Barb seemed real in every way. This brought back memories of a tough time in America. For those readers too young to identify with that war, this is a good place for them to learn.

The Women
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Most Fantastic book once again by Kristin Hannah!! I couldn't put it down. I read it in one day. It made me sad, happy, mad, proud, & not proud at times. It's a wonderful story about the Female Nurse Warriors of Vietnam. Everyone should read this great book!
Thank you NetGallery!!

You know, one thing I love about books is that it lets you live someone else’s life for a little while and see the world through a different perspective.

In The Women by @kristinhannahauthor , we jump in the life of Frankie McGrath in 1965 as the Vietnam War takes place.

I cannot even begin to express how heartbreakingly beautiful this story was. Frankie’s (and Barb and Ethel’s) strength, resilience blew me away. Some parts were sad but others were hopeful and funny and touching. I loved the found family and it me rage at the injustices of the world. One certain someone that I won’t spoil absolutely enraged me but that’s a story for when you’ve read it.

It was an easy 5 ⭐️ for me! You are going to want to grab this book!

Thank you @netgalley , @macmillan.audio and @stmartinspress for my advanced copies!

The Women is available February 6th!

"Kristin Hannah's 'The Women' is a poignant and emotionally resonant tale that delves deep into the lives of its characters. Set against the backdrop of Vietnam, the novel offers a powerful portrayal of resilience and female strength. Hannah's writing is evocative, drawing readers into the lives of these women and their struggles. While the pacing could be improved in certain parts, the overall storytelling is compelling and leaves a lasting impact. Four stars."

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of The Women by Kristin Hannah. It was narrated by Julia Whelan who is one of my favorite narrators. I was so excited to get this audio book ahead of the publishing because I had heard so much about the book and Kristin Hannah did not disappoint, in fact, she exceeded my expectations. It was a very difficult subject, the women who went to Vietnam and how hard it was for them when they returned home. The pure emotion that she brought forth from the pages of her book touched me, I laughed, I cried, I reminisced on those times from my teens and young adult life. I absolutely loved the book and would give it 10 stars if it were possible. Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to this book.
#NetGalley #TheWomen

"Women can be heroes". And now these women have affected my brain chemistry.

This book surely took a hold of me! I typically read a few books at a time, I could not concentrate on another book after I started The Women. I was completely immersed. The fashion in which Hannah pulls you into her books with the way she tells such heartbreaking yet powerful stories is truly remarkable.

Here's a bit of the synopsis:

Frankie McGrath is being raised on the idyllic Coronado Island and sheltered by her conservative parents, but when her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she decides to follow him. Just out of nursing school and only 20 years old, she has no idea what to expect.

Once in Vietnam she is thrust into taking care of severely wounded men, horrible living conditions and a lack of trained staff. She is unprepared for what is ahead. She will not only learn nursing in extreme conditions but eventually taught how to do surgical procedures. Her base camp had one doctor and three nurses along with medics to care for the hundreds of injured men. Frankie came to dread the sound of helicopters approaching.

She is fortunate to have incredible roommates who will be her friends for life. She learns love and heartache, loss, anger and frustration.

Upon returning home, there is no welcome, not even from her parents. After all of the parades and sit-ins to protest the war, no one seems to want to acknowledge her sacrifice. Frankie hits rock bottom, but gets the help she needs. I found myself moved over Frankie's challenges and even questioning my own behavior and if I have shown service people enough appreciation.
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The Women shines the light on all service women whose sacrifices and contributions to their country might be forgotten. I have a new appreciation for them thanks to Kristin Hannah. This memorable heroine and all the women like her will remain with you long after you close this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook before its release date of February 6, 2024.

Julia Whelen & Kristin Hannah are a fantastic combination. Whelen brings to life the words Hannah puts on the page which makes the story come alive.

A great book paying tribute to the women who served in Vietnam. Kristin Hannah told a wonderful story and Julia Whelan narrated it perfectly. This is a must read or listen.

Friends, she has done it again! No one transports and immerses you into a location like Kristin Hannah. Whether it’s war-torn France or the wilds of Alaska, she creates a setting so vivid you feel like you are there. She does it again in this novel with the posh neighborhood of Coronado and the war hospitals of Vietnam.

Wanting to join the photo wall of heroes in her father’s office, Frankie enlists in the Army Nurse Corps and follows her officer brother to Vietnam. We are given detailed descriptions - often quite graphic - of what life was like as a nurse during the war. Perhaps what is more disturbing, though, is her life after returning home. It is far from the hero’s welcome she expected, Frankie returns to a country she doesn’t recognize and PTSD after two tours of duty so severe it is soul crushing.

My dad fought in Vietnam but it was never discussed. This book was so helpful for me as it shed so much light on what he must have experienced and holds so close to himself. To come home to protesters and so much hate after all he did in Vietnam in the name of our country must have been devastating.

I alternated between print and audio, both were prefection. The audiobook is narrated by the queen, Julia Whelan, girl you have never sounded better! Such an incredible performance!

“The missing. The forgotten. The brave… The women.”

I seriously cannot think of a better way to start love month than this beautiful love letter to the forgotten women who served in the Vietnam war.

It is a coming-of-age story about a young woman named Frankie, who is a 20-year-old nursing student. It follows her story as an inexperienced nurse who enlists herself into the Vietnam war without thinking it through, and follows her through 2 tours and her return to civilian life. The homecoming is far from what she expected. It not only follows her, but also highlights all the women and men who fought along side her and those she loves throughout her journey.

My first Kristin Hannah book and y’all were not wrong about her. This book had a significant impact on me and my emotions. The writing was exceptional, extremely descriptive, and beautiful. The exceptional character development made you care about and remember all of them. I fell in love with so many and was concerned for their well-being.

Not only did I enjoy this story, but I also gained a lot of knowledge about the women who served there. It’s a powerful book, y’all.

As a result, I feel like a changed woman. It’s no secret that historical fiction is not usually my go-to genre, but I’m so glad I gave it a try. I mean who am I with this big book? It’s 15 hours long. 🤣 I’m so glad I did.
This book is longer than most books I undertake and not in my usual wheelhouse, which intimidated me. If you share my sentiment, don’t let this discourage you as I devoured it.

Women can absolutely be heroes, and this book is just another amazing example of that!

It is a book that you will never forget. From the writing to the narration, to that beautiful cover, it gets 5 stars from me.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan, and Kristin Hannah for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4.75 ⭐️
Audio rating: 5⭐️ Julia Whalen is one of my faves and this was no exception!!

1 sentence review: This was an insightful and empowering story that left me sad, angry, happy, and all the emotions in between.

The Vietnam war era has always been my favorite to learn about, and this story was such an emotional and unique take on this era. Most Vietnam war stories are about the men who served on the front lines and the women who served as nurses are seldomly mentioned. This book tells the stories of these women in such a phenomenal way.

This is not only a chilling look into what it’s like to be a war nurse, but it also explores the after effects of returning home from the Vietnam war. Kristin Hannah does a great job of showcasing how the characters experience shame, grief, and PTSD upon returning home to a country full of tension and distain for the war. Hannah also showed PTSD in a really complex way that I think a lot of authors/storytellers get wrong.

Read This if You Like:
- Crying
- Vietnam war era stories from a different perspective
- Stories about women overcoming adversity

Hannah does it again!!

After Frankie's brother goes to war, she decides to enlist as a nurse to aid in the Vietnam war. We follow Frankie as she heads to Vietnam, where she jumps right into her life as a nurse, helping every wounded soldier that comes through her doors. 

This book may be set during war time, but it really highlights the female bonds and the results of trauma. This is set in the late 60s when women were expected to become wives and mothers only. Frankie isn't treated like the hero she is. The toll all this pain does to her is not recognized. 

This book has a lot of heartache...ALOT. But it is also such a well told story of a woman who is fighting for herself. 
I listened to the audiobook for the majority of this book. Julia Whalen is a wonder. She brought Frankie to life and made us feel every emotion there is. 

This is a must read for any Hannah fans or fans of historical fiction.

When I received early access to the audiobook of The Women I was ecstatic; a book by Kristin Hannah narrated by Julia Whelan. Could it be any better? However once I started listening I realized this book was so much more than I thought. The story, the characters, the narration, all make this one of the best books I have ever read.

Trying to put my thoughts about this book into words is difficult. It is a love story about family, friends, and romance. It is a lesson in history and determination. The characters are passionate, fearless, leaders. The reader cannot help but be captivated by their stories. My hope is that many will read and talk about this book. Not only because there are many lessons within it but also it is filled with passion, love and hope.

Many thanks to @NetGalley, @macmillanaudio and the author for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for my honest review.