Kristin Hannah's immaculate storytelling, intriguing characters and beautiful writing can make me care about parts of history I never thought I would enjoy to learn about. I am not a big historical fiction reader but Kristin Hannah is always an exception and it always surprises me how her stories stay with me so long after I have finished the book.

We follow Francis (aka Frankie) as she becomes a combat nurse in the Vietnam War. Experience all she goes through both during and after. Dealing with grief, shame and PTSD no one acknowledges she what she went through claiming there were no women in Vietnam whenever she does try to seek help. The story of an unsung hero that touches on both issues for veterans and women in the 1960s-1970s.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced audiobook for review.

I was quickly enraptured by the book as soon as we hit Vietnam. I fell instantly in love with Frankie, the FMC, as she was so admirable and a definite badass. Beth and Ethel are the best friends a girl could ask for and Jamie was McDreamy I swear.

Once we left Vietnam is when I started to falter. While I know it’s the unfortunate truth of women in that time especially those who served, it all felt dragged out and somewhat repetitive. It reminds me a lot of Stephen King’s style, long and drawn out, but still written so well. It took me much longer than normal to churn through the middle half of the book.

My opinions in short, the plot with Rhy was somewhat predictable. He always felt wrong somehow, which was hopefully what Hannah planned to depict. The whole time I was desperately hoping that Jamie was still alive, googling to see if he survived. And then she went to Montana!!! It was getting my hopes up too much.

I loved the ending so much, it was such a peaceful way to end a book of chaos. Having been to Montana, I can picture this retreat and the ease of therapy that these woman got to experience. I thought it was the perfect end to her story and tied everything together so well. The memorial was an absolute amazing close. The memorial and JAMIEEEE. It was everything I ever wanted out of this book. In my head they lived happily ever after.

Also, shoutout to the narrator. She’s done a couple books I’ve listened to and she’s always spot on.

Copied from Goodreads:

5 huge ⭐️ !

In 1965, Coronado native and recent nursing graduate Frankie McGrath seeks to make a difference and enlists in the Army Nurse Corp to work as a combat nurse in Vietnamese. She believes she will be far from the fighting in a large Saigon military hospital. Instead, she is posted to evacuation hospitals close to dangerous fighting. The first section of the book reviews her Vietnam experiences while the remainder shows us Frankie’s return to the US and to herself. We also tangentially learn of her friends’ adjustments for further insight into their experiences.

I have not enjoyed a Kristin Hannah book this much since I read “The Nightingale.” Unfortunately, my mid-century Southeast Asian combat nursing experience knowledge was limited to “Hot Lips Houlihan.” “The Women” showed me how much I had missed and how invisible yet integral female participants in the Vietnam War were. It was an eloquent reminder that “representation matters” for all and in all entertainment forms.

I also enjoyed the many references to San Diego places and sites, though this was far from the most significant element of the book.

TW: war, injury, PTSD, substance use

“The Women” is available in the US on February 6, 2024. Many thanks to St.Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. This books kept me intrigued and gave me an understanding of the struggles that veterans face. Kristin Hannah is a wonderful writer, this has got to be one of her best!

It's only January, and already I'm confident "The Women" will be one of my favorite books of the year. It's an exquisitely written, no-holds-barred, emotional look at the role of women in the Vietnam war, as well as the fallout when their contributions were scorned or minimized. The teamwork of Kristin Hannah on writing and Julia Whalen on narration is phenomenal.

"The Women" follows the story of young Frankie, a California woman barely in her 20s. Seeking to win her parents' approval and to follow her older brother's footsteps, Frankie decides to enter the Vietnam War as a nurse. What follows is a harrowing and very real look at the impacts and fallout of war — both physically and mentally. I was immediately drawn into Frankie's world and connected with each and every character, some of whom I liked immediately and some who I had to grow to love. While I would love to say this was a home-run across the board for me, there were some plot decisions I didn't agree with that put a bow on it maybe a little too neatly. I wished we had seen more of the Vietnamese characters as well, as this is definitely a very white-centric narrative, even though it was not complimentary to the U.S. That said, I enjoyed every second of Frankie and her story.

This epic historical fiction was an amazing 5 star audiobook. The narrator perfectly shared the tale of Frankie, a nurse in Vietnam during the war. She is amazed by intensity of relationships as well the madness of a war zone. Returning with PTSD and finding her place in life we learn lessons of friendship, loss, love and redemption. What an amazing arc!

I loved it. I have read most of Kristin Hannah's popular books and I think this is my favorite. The topic of the Vietnam War is rarely written about let alone the women who also served. The story itself follows a woman as she enlists in the military as a nurse, then over to Vietnam and her life afterward as she tries to grapple with PTSD and where she fits in after not following the typical women's life of marriage, kids etc. I also enjoyed at the end of the audiobook that we got to hear from the author about some of her research that went into this book. I have been recommending this book to all of my historical fiction lovers.

This review is based on the audiobook version, which was skillfully narrated.

There is no doubt the author is a masterful storyteller, especially when it comes to describing the hellscape and atrocities of the Vietnam War, and the disrespect veterans — specifically women — were met with upon their return to the United States. I appreciated the author not shying away from the devastating details, writing about them with a graphic frankness. I further appreciated the author giving long overdue recognition to the female veterans whose contributions have been overlooked and under appreciated to say the least.

The main character, Frankie, is almost comically Pollyanna-ish and a patsy but evolves in a more interesting - if tragic - way in the latter half of the story.

In the year 2024, a book set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War that does not engage meaningfully with the racial politics of the era feels short-sighted and out-of-touch. The very few characters of color (really only one) lack dimension. Some characters are merely described as “Black.” There is more than one example of white saviorism in the book that elicited a palpable cringe from this reader.

For those who long for happy endings, this one’s will not disappoint, although this reader found it treacly and a little too neat.

THE WOMEN follows Frankie from her decision to join the armed forces to serve alongside her brother, through her tour in Vietnam and her return home. Blown. Away. Just as she did with The Nightingale and The Four Winds, Ms. Hannah pulled me into a time period I didn’t think I’d enjoy and made me love every gut wrenching moment.
Many parts were brutal and left me wondering just how horrible it was in real life. Several times throughout the book, I found myself wondering how much more Frankie could take. The last hour and a half I was hysterical crying and even as I write this hours later, my eyes are swollen and hurt from all the tears. I am gutted. I am not ok. THE WOMEN gave The Bronze Horseman a run for its money over who holds the title for the book that most ripped my heart out.

“There weren’t any women in Vietnam.”

Frankie was raised to be just a house wife in a family that boasts about their military history. Wanting to make her parents proud and earn her place on their family wall of fame for more than marrying the right man, she follows her brother’s footsteps and enlists in the Army’s Nurse Corps to be sent to Vietnam. Her parents don’t react to her enlistment in the way she was expecting and too late, she begins questioning her choice. Determined to see it through, she excels in basic training and is shipped off and stationed at the 36th EVAC hospital. Frankie finds herself facing horrors, truths and more goodbyes than she could have ever prepared for but when her year long tour is up, she can’t fathom going back home to country clubs and parties leaving her unit understaffed and so she re-enlists.

When she finally goes home, she faces an angry world, a cold welcome from her family and the need to find her place again. But, Frankie desperately struggles with her reintegration into the “real world” and despite reaching out for help, she is left with minimal support or resources and turns to coping mechanisms that lead her down paths she never foresaw for herself.

—————————————————————————

Between Kristin Hannah’s writing and Julia Whelan’s narration, the emotion of Frankie’s story is brought to life. You feel the heartbreak as if it’s your own, you feel the betrayal down to your bones and the weight of her sadness is heavy on your shoulders.

This is the most emotionally heavy of Kristin Hannah’s books so far (in my opinion). I had to walk away from the book numerous times to disassociate for a bit so I could actually make it through to the end. It is heavy but it’s worth the ride.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ (fade to black)
Was it Cute? ❤️ (I smiled a bit)
Was it sad? 💧💧💧(I cried, a lot)
Did I Laugh? 😂 (some smirks)

Thank you NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for an honest review

Not long before COVID, my children's grandfather died from liver cancer. Took him in less than a year. The cause? Agent Orange from his time as a Marine in Vietnam. The Vietnam War so often gets swept under the rug but it's affecting families to this day. Kristin Hannah truly did ALL the veterans service with The Women. I loved everything about this book. Everyone knows war is ugly. But the aftermath, the way we treat our veterans, is so often much uglier for many families. There were times the book felt almost too real, too raw and I wasn't sure how I could continue reading it. Kristin Hannah is the master at ripping your heart out and then handing it right back to you though. The lows are low but the highs are high. And along the way you get to experience a time in history that might have otherwise passed you by. A solid 5 out of 5 stars.

I have read a lot of World War II books but I haven’t read a single book set in Vietnam. First off I have the utmost respect for the women and men that bravely served in this war. Listening to this audio book was excruciating for me. I kept thinking what the hell is going on in Vietnam. Kristen Hannah did a great job painting a picture of what it was like over there. I think I have trauma just listening to this book.

For me the book lacked in story development. I know a lot of people are raving about this book but I’m in the minority on this one. It felt like I was reading about bombing, casualties, surgeries, senseless war. Over and over and over again. I can only stomach so much. I loved the characters and wanted to hear more development and focus on the characters rather than casualties and surgeries.



Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

I started listening to this audiobook while riding with my husband after returning our son to college. At first, I wasn't too sure about the book and the voice actor. But, within an hour I was completely hooked and wished the trip was longer than 3 hours. I listened at work when doing tasks that needed minimal brainpower. I would have listened in bed at night to finish it, but had started reading a borrowed copy of "The Four Winds" that I didn't want to stop either. So, I doubled up on Kristin Hannah (a new author for me at the time.)

The imagery of Vietnam along with the internal angst that Frankie McGrath has along her journey "in country" and back stateside after her two years of service are over. This is a period and war that still offers many stories to be told that were previously not. Sure, there are books and movies about Vietnam and the men who served. But, Kristin Hannah takes that tumultuous time in American history and brings it to life in a new way - painting a picture of the women who served and were rarely (if ever) recognized for their sacrifices.

Beyond painting a vivid picture of Frankie's time in Vietnam, she continues to show the difficulties faced by veterans when they returned stateside. And how the ways some chose to quell the pain (alcohol, drugs, and sex) often barely masked the pain and led them down a dark road.

There's way more I could say, but I don't like to divulge a lot of the plot.

Overall, one of the best audiobooks I've listened to in a long time. It may have taken me a while to embrace Julia Whelan's narration style, but it ended up so perfectly fitting the novel.

As for the story woven together by KH. Amazing just scratches the surface. I'm now looking at all her past books to see which one to read next and wondering how I missed reading one of her novels before now.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook version of this ARC. My listening was time well spent.

This is my favourite of all the ARC's I've received. I never read Historical Fiction, not my genre, and what a high bar this book has set. Kristen Hannah wrote this so thoughtfully and it felt very real as if I was there without being emotionally punishing or depressing at all. Although I have no connection to the Vietnam was this story and the things Charlie faces reminded me of experiences throughout my own life and the plot kept me interested all the way through. I love the female friendships in this book, I'll be reading more of this authors work for sure. Thank you for being my gateway into this genre!

Run out on Feb 6 and get this book. I have so much to say! This book by a favorite author, Kristin Hannah, is an epic, sweeping story about one of the very few women who were in the nursing unit of the army in the 1960s and saw firsthand the horrors of the Vietnam War. Extremely well-researched, this story made me feel like I was there, experiencing the loss, frustration, music, horrors, unfairness, love, and betrayal that the protagonist Frankie went through. Relationships are the center of this story, which is both historical fiction and feminist fiction and even romance! (sort-of) Complicated yet spun perfectly into a story that will stay with me for a long time. If you remember the Vietnam War, or if you don't - this will scar you and give you a new perspective on life. Can I give it 6 stars?!

What a heart wrenching story-so important for people to read and understand. A story about the women in the Vietnam war-mainly the nurses who saved as many lives as they could while in the thick of it. My heart broke over and over again for Frankie.

I loved this story and hope to learn more about these women who were there in Vietnam. They deserve as much respect as the men who served.

Julia Whelan is one of my favorite narrators and she did this story justice.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan audio and Kristin Hannah for the ALC for my honest review.

So beautifully written! Kristin Hannah’s command of the English language is extraordinary. Detailed,descriptive passages paint vivid pictures/scenes as the story unravels. The Women shreds a light on the impacts of the Vietnam War, the heroic efforts of the women and so much more.
The audiobook narration, by Julia Whelan, is incredible. Her voice is soft but strong, well paced, and pleasant to listen to. The narration is more like a storytelling. A moving story beautifully told.
Be sure to listen to the Author’s Note and Acknowledgements at the end. I was moved to tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy the audiobook version of this ARC

I’ve been waiting for this book since the moment I finished The Four Winds back in 2021. It’s no secret that Kristin Hannah is my favorite author. Her book Winter Garden made me truly fall in love with reading when I read it back in 2014.

Receiving an early physical copy of this book was an absolute dream come true! Thank you so much @stmartinspress and also for an audio copy through @netgalley ❤️❤️❤️ I did a combination of both and the audio is perfection! 👌🏼

In The Women Kristin truly transports you to this period in history known for its political, social and cultural upheaval. She achieves this through the sites, smells, major events, and music. I have never read a historical fiction book transporting me straight into the Vietnam War and I loved learning more about this sad and difficult time in history.

Kristin doesn’t hold back at all in highlighting how awful this war truly was. She takes you straight to the jungles of Vietnam through the eyes of Frankie McGrath, a young nurse serving in the Army Nurse Corps and the horrors she witnessed taking care of these men severely injured while serving their country and the toll it took on her. The women who served over there were not recognized after returning to the U.S. and did not receive the help they needed to deal with the aftermath and all that they witnessed.

I don’t want to give too much away because I’m a firm believer in just diving into a book without knowing too much. It’s a powerful story about courage, loss, love, friendship, family, and healing.

This will definitely make my top 10 books of the year. I don’t know if it’s my favorite KH book (too hard to choose!), but I will say it’s my favorite of hers since The Nightingale. She is a master storyteller and I felt like I was right there beside Frankie the entire time, rooting for her every step of her journey. I devoured this book in two days which is super fast for me with it being almost 500 pages. I just couldn’t put it down!

The women by Kristin Hannah is
Deeply moving and poignant. Evocative. Frankie’s story is impactful from multiple perspectives. I tried to figure out which one spoke to me the most, but I have to say, all of them are meaningful and sure to resonate with someone in the audience.
A young, innocent woman who longed to make a difference by maintaining her family’s honor and remembering a brother who deeply impacted her life. A brave human who embarks on an army tour she never could have imagined. A humbled nurse who could not believe what she was seeing, living, experiencing, or being asked to do. A battle tried and seasoned surgical nurse who excelled despite the pain and chaos. A loyal friend who found lifelong sisters. A woman who longed for and found love. A tender soul who experienced unspeakable heartache and loss. A daughter who learned first hand the polarizing differences in generational approach to hardships. An addict who longed for understanding and healing from the experiences that broke her. An army vet who learned that PTSD is a real thing, not to mention the effects of chemical warfare. A champion who learned how to fight for women vets to be seen and heard. A warrior who earned her scars and the right to tell her story.
The uncertainty but dedication followed by the immediate panic of her regretful and naive decision to enlist were depicted in perfect detail. The dialogue, the sounds and smells, and the descriptions of life during combat in the jungle allowed me to experience it in my mind’s eye.
The second half, reentry and life going forward, broke my heart. Not in a way that I didn’t enjoy the story, but in a way that had me screaming with Frankie for someone to see her and validate her experiences. Ethel and Barb remained true and faithful in a way that heart sisters do and I was so grateful she had them.
While this book may been fiction, the story is not. The author mentioned at the end that this book has been with her for awhile but she knew she wasn’t ready or matured enough in her skill to tackle and honor such a difficult topic. Thank you for waiting. For taking the time get it right through maturity and research.
As one who grew up Army and has been a nurse for 25+ years, I can’t help but believe that time to marinate is what made this book phenomenal. Attention to detail and historical representation are so well done.
For all the heaviness, and there’s plenty of it (it’s war and nurses), there’s also tender, sweet, everyday life moments. The balance happened at just the right moments and demonstrate the mastery of a spellbinding story.
I had the privilege of reading the written words in addition to listening to audiobook which truly brought the story to life in a unique and captivating way.
Many thanks for the complimentary copies I received from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

★★★★★♾️ ALL THE STARS

✦ Synopsis
In 1965, Frankie McGrath, a twenty year old fresh faced nursing school graduate, impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps when her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam. Women can be heroes too, right?
As green & inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos & destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed & divided America.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on the story of all women who put themselves in harm's way to help others. Women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has all too often been forgotten.

✦ My Thoughts
The easiest 5★ I’ve ever given. This is without a doubt one of the most powerful, expertly written books I’ve ever read.

From the opening dedication to the very last page, I felt immersed in the storytelling. I laughed, I cried, I was utterly captivated - literally hanging onto every word.

Frankie McGrath is now one of my favorite fictional women. Her story is full of hardships, sacrifice, disappointment & sorrow. I don't think I ever rooted for a character as hard as I did for Frankie. I saw pieces of myself in her. Her bravery in leaning on her friends, in asking for help, was truly remarkable.

This was a beautiful tribute to all the women who served in Vietnam, highlighting the real yet unimaginable hardships & trauma that these veterans endured. The level of research that went into this novel was truly astounding.

Whether you are a seasoned historical fiction reader or are new to the genre, this is a MUST READ. If I ever convince anyone to read one book, I hope it’s this one.

⟡ Read if you like
- mental health representation
- the movie hacksaw ridge
- War stories
- Medical dramas
- female empowerment
- absolutely incredible audiobook
- bonds of friendship

Thank you to Kristin Hannah for writing this absolute masterpiece of a book, to Julia Whelan for her wonderful narration, & to netgalley + Macmillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this arc.