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.

Kristin Hannah does it again! Fans of Hannah’s heartfelt women-centric historical fiction won’t be disappointed with her latest novel. The Women takes readers to Vietnam alongside Frankie McGrath, an Army combat nurse but the real journey begins when Frankie comes home.

The novel is very well researched. Hannah transports the reader to Frankie’s new world. I shared in Frankie’s triumphs, fears and heartbreaks. Hannah opened my eyes to the reality of the US in the late 60s, early 70s especially for those who served in Vietnam. I always enjoy how Hannah explores female relationships, this time she focuses on the life-affirming power of girlfriends. I highly recommend this book for all adult readers.

This book left me in awe. It was an amazing and insightful read that I could not put down. The journey that Francis went through was one that I couldn't imagine, but the author did a beautiful job of making you feel like you were right along the characters. The story goes through Frankie's childhood, becoming a nurse, joining the army, Vietnam and life after coming home from the war and living a life of a veteran and the struggles. I will forever remember this book!
I just reviewed The Women by Kristin Hannah. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Kristen Hannah has done it again!

Before reading The Women, I read The Nightingale and The Four Winds. I rated them all five stars. I've found that she has a way of pulling at all your emotions.

The Women grips you with how well-rounded and complex the characters are. On top of that, this is a beautifully written novel that will leave you captivated from the beginning until the end.

The book follows Frankie, an Army nurse, through her journey before, during, and after the Vietnam War.

Through Frankie's character development, we see her transformation from a naive girl to a strong woman who navigates through the horrors and bleakness of war.

The book handles the topics of war, grief, and trauma with great care and intertwines them with moments of hope and happiness.

As you read the book, you will find yourself cheering for Frankie as she falls in love during a difficult time overseas, rooting for her to overcome her challenges when she returns home, and feeling angry alongside her for many things.

Get this book because you will not regret reading this enthralling story.

Just WOW! Where to begin with this one. Kristin Hannah absolutely blew me away with her story telling in “The Women”. As a nurse, and a woman, I found this story so compelling. Just like her other novels, she takes you on quite a roller coaster of devastating experiences, with moments of peace in between. The Women is such a beautiful story of beginnings, friendship, loss, and finding oneself.

This novel feels like you are in the middle of a film, and I think Julia Whelan did an incredible job of creating that atmosphere (as always). She was the absolute perfect narrator for this story!

This is a must read book this year. You won’t be able to put it down! I only wish I could relive the experience of hearing this book for the first time again.

Thank you so much for this audio advanced copy Macmillan Audio and NetGalley.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for the advance listening copy of "The Women" by Kristin Hannah. This si my second Hannah book and I was a little hesitant to pick it up after "The Four Winds". I felt like there was so much trauma that happened to that lead (an overwhelming amount) that I wasn't sure I wanted to read another of this author's book.
Frankly, I picked it up because Julia Whelan was the narrator. I love her and have listened to most of her reads. No one narrate a story like Julia.
I thought this was a heavy book about loss, unresolved grief, personal flaws and female friendship all interwoven through the Vietnam War era.
The same pattern unfolded here, with our female enduring a seemingly endless string of bad things.
I liked Frankie, although it did seem like her friends rescued her-a lot.
The ending was more pleasing than I expected.
It seemed very submersive regarding the story of war.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio arc! The book is a fantastically, hard read. I don't know much about PTSD, or the Vietnam War, but I definitely forsee the future rabbit hole that I am about to fall into... Kristen Hannah is a master at building the background stories for her main characters. Each of her books leaves me a "book hangover".

Plenty of books about the men returning from Vietnam but not so many about the woman nurses returning. They came back with the same war weary bodies as the men. The loss of friends killed. The nightmares and how they were not accepted as a fully experienced nurse when trying to get a job in hospitals in the States. Been treated as somebody who just graduated from school with no experience. Frankie went to nursing school to do more than her parents expected. Get married, have children and help your husband climb the social latter. Jointed the army thinking it would make her parents proud. Instead, they were angry and tried to stop her. Returning home after having finished two tours in Vietnam she met an angry reception by the protesters against the war. Getting home wasn’t much better. Instead of been proud of her service, her parents were embarrassed and had lied to everybody that she had been away in Europe. Been giving beginners jobs in the hospital and dealing with the aftereffects of her service time in Vietnam she was an easy target for alcohol and drug use. Looking for help when she realized that she couldn’t go on any longer like this she turned to the VA for Vietnam veterans. Only to be turned away when they insisted only men were Vietnam veterans. What saved her was the interference of the women nurses who had served with her in Vietnam. This is a very emotional story and I cried various times throughout the story. I was a young adult at that time and my oldest was born at the Fort Devens military hospital in 68. The narrators did a wonderful job in presenting the story.

Kristin Hannah's "The Women" immerses you in 1960's America going into the Vietnam War. I could picture the clothes, the music, and the social climate. Frankie McGrath's story will captivate you as she becomes a combat nurse in the war. Frankie goes through A LOT. But the story has a good ending.
Netflix, if you are listening, this would make a fantastic series!

Ooof. This one hit home HARD. As an Army spouse, there are many things in here that came very close to home and were difficult to read. But also, what a privilege to read. Kristin Hannah takes a very challenging time in our history and sheds the right light on the things that truly mattered. Women can be heroes and these women were right along with the men they served with. I loved and appreciated the care Hannah took with telling Frankie's story. She got so many things right. Two parts that particularly rang true for me was the experiences of a soldier coming home from war and the ways in which the Army becomes your family. They understand.

This is an important story to tell and one I was not super familiar with. Hannah does an fantastic job of making a difficult topic approachable. Julia Whalen, as narrator, takes it a step further. The narration of Frankie's journey had so much heart. You could feel so much of her heartache, her fear, and her stress found in the pages due to Whalen's impeccable performance.

Whether you read this in print, digital, or audio, this is a book that will stop you in your tracks and make you think. We need these stories told and I am grateful to Hannah for doing so. A resounding 5 stars for a book that will stay with me forever.

i enjoyed this read! as usual, the amazing Julia Whelan did a fantastic job with the audio narration. i didn't love this book as much as this author's book The Nightingale (an all-time favorite of mine), but thought it was well-written. it was also eye-opening as to how Vietnam War vets were treated upon returning to the US, focusing on the woman's perspective. this book takes the reader from a nurse's POV through the Vietnam War, then back in America and the aftermath--the PTSD (not very known about at the time), protests, and American attitudes about the war. i did cry a few times (in typical KH fashion). this book was very well-researched and the characters, though flawed, felt very real.

as for the characters, i've seen other early readers critiquing the main character, Frances (Frankie) as being overly naive. however, i feel that she was supposed to be written this way so while her decisions could be frustrating at times, i got why she acted that way, and i feel like that's what matters when writing a character--being able to understand what makes them do what they do.

as for my own critiques, i do think that this author uses a number of tropes that show up in many of her books. i will not be saying what these tropes are because of spoilers, but i found some parts of the book to be rather predictable because of it. however, i wasn't sure how the book would end and wound up liking the ending.

i would recommend this if you like:
- historical fiction set in the 60s
- female-focused books (including reliable female friendships)
- messy main characters
- books that discuss dealing with trauma
- reading about women's contributions during wartime

The Women releases on February 6, 2024. thank you to Macmillan Audio, Kristin Hannah, and Netgalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Women can be heroes.” ‼️‼️

“You’ll learn fast, Frank. We laugh so we don’t cry.” Anyone in medicine will feel this.❣️

I suppose I could give this book 5 stars before I have even read it because it is written by @kristinhannahauthor, one of my favorite authors, and the audiobook is narrated by @justjuliawhelan, another favorite. I am prepared to be gutted and fully immersed in this story. Going in..

Ugh why do you do this to me #kristinhannah?! This book. THIS. BOOK. My heart can’t take it. This was a gut wrenching look into Vietnam, a war seldom written about, and the women that were there. It is a deeply moving story and my only critique is how annoying Frankie was throughout much of the book. Were her selfish and careless actions probably a result of PTSD, though? And the poor decision making? The self sabotage? Maybe it’s just that her story is so real and raw it’s hard to stomach. It’s probably that. I really would have loved to explore Barb a bit more, though, and maybe get a slightly different perspective from a different woman.

Overall I feel sorry for whatever book I read after this one. No matter how good, it doesn’t stand a chance.

“‘I love you guys,’ she said. That was the starting and ending point in life: love. The journey was everything in between.”

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah is a powerful exploration of the Vietnam War era through the eyes of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nursing student who dares to challenge societal norms. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a changing world, where the mantra “Women can be heroes” becomes a revelation for Frankie.

Hannah’s meticulous research is evident as she crafts characters with detailed backstories, navigating the reader through the chaos and destruction of war. Frankie’s decision to join the Army Nurse Corps and follow her brother’s path to Vietnam leads to a gripping tale of life, death, hope, and betrayal.

The author masterfully captures the atmosphere of a mobile hospital in Vietnam, reminiscent of the iconic TV show M*A*S*H*. Graphic scenes portray the harsh realities faced by army nurses, emphasizing the importance of deep friendships as a coping mechanism for the repeated trauma they endure. The characters surrounding Frankie add poignancy to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of relationships.

As the war ends, the real battle begins for Frankie and her fellow veterans as they return to a changed and divided America. The novel sheds light on the struggles faced by female veterans, particularly the lack of resources to help them transition back to civilian life. The strained relationships Frankie encounters at home underscore the broader societal disrespect towards military veterans.

Having been a school-aged child through the Vietnam War era, I appreciated the cultural references seamlessly woven into the story. The inclusion of music and historical context adds authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling historical fiction read.

“The Women” resonates deeply with me as a retired nurse, highlighting the significant yet often overlooked contributions of nurses throughout history. This emotional and compelling novel is likely to stay with readers for years, serving as a tribute to the brave women who put themselves in harm’s way, their sacrifices too often forgotten.

In the audiobook version, Julia Whelan’s outstanding performance enhances the storytelling experience. Her ability to provide authentic voices to the characters and maintain an engaging tone makes the audiobook version highly recommended.

In conclusion, Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine, offering a captivating blend of deep friendships, bold patriotism, and a stark portrayal of the challenges faced by women in the military during a tumultuous period in American history. Highly recommended for those who appreciate historical fiction with heart.

I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Wow. Let me start by staying that the main character, Frankie, may annoy you a bit. She starts the book as privileged, whiny, and nieve. But, her trauma and her subsequent actions will break your heart. This book will also make you mad. Hannah takes you through the trauma of Frankie serving at hospitals in Vietnam, coming home to a hostile nation, and her subsequent trials through trying to live with PTSD. I was so angry when Frankie was constantly belittled because "women were not in Vietnam." If you didn't already hate the patriarchy, you will now. This was an excellent read and Frankie's journey is moving. My only complaint is the narrator is awful at yelling. The scene where Frankie is in a protest and is yelling was painful to listen to.

The Women by Kristin Hannah was enthralling from page 1 to the very last sentence. I love books that challenge the way I think and cause me to want to investigate more on a subject. The Women chronicles the life of fictional nurse Frankie McGrath joining the Army, serving in Vietnam and her return to the United States following her deployment. I had never thought of the fact that women were indeed a part of the Vietnam War and how they served in a unique and integral role amongst the military (and quite often in helping the innocent Vietnamese caught in the middle of this war).

Following Frankie's story upon her return back to the States was sobering. I need some time to fully digest the scope of this book and looking to read some other books Kristin Hannah referenced at the end. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and while my favorite Kristin Hannah book was The Nightingale, this may well bump it off my number one slot.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for advanced copy of this book,

I wish I could give this book 100 stars. What a heartbreakingly beautiful tribute to our service members who served in Vietnam. The author clearly did an immense amount of research and absolutely hit it out of the park on this one.

This is definitely my favorite Kristin Hannah book thus far. I listened to it in audiobook form and I think I will need to get it in print form to better digest it because it is a heavy, emotional read.
In this novel, we follow Frankie McGrath who is a nurse in Vietnam after her brother's death there. Her parents are very traditional and there is a great deal of emotional baggage for all of them after his death. We see Frankie in Vietnam in action and once she returns home from Vietnam where she suffers the political fallout from an unpopular war where the veterans are treated badly. Her family, especially her father, does not know how to deal with Frankie's recovery from the trauma of war. That is as much as I will say because I do not want to give too much away.
While we see other characters (her best friends, parents, love interests), this is entirely through Frankie's eyes, which I like after reading a number of novels that jump from one character to another--not that either is bad--but there is so much content (war and unrest) to unpack that, for me, having to shift from one character's shoulder to another, would have been too much, and would have shifted emphasis from the content to having to figure out who is speaking or thinking.
It is evident that Hannah did a great deal of research and it shows. This is also a part of history that is fascinating and I have not read many books that delve into it well.
It will take me a while to digest this book and I think I will need to read something a little lighter next because this book has taken its toll on me. I cried openly several times while I was listening to this book. The book was a very emotional ride for me. Finally, while the book had a clear point of view that developed, I did not feel like it was preachy, though it bordered on it and if there was one tiny little criticism, it would would be to dial the perspective back just a little bit. However, I am confident that it will be on my top ten for the year.

This was my first Kristin Hannah book even though I’ve heard so much about her as an author. Was so excited to get this advance copy via NetGalley!

What a wonderful book. I felt every emotion, every worry and every excitement of the main character, Frankie. She just wanted to be someone’s hero and after heading to Vietnam as a medical nurse she realizes her heroism isn’t as easy as she was expecting. Men fighting a war that never feels like it’s going to end and is it even worth it? It feels like a waste of their lives. And it’s no easier being home,

The story itself was incredible, I felt for Frankie, and her pain. She was relatable and such a strong female character. Absolutely beautiful to listen to.
The connection amongst women and the passion they felt for each other, for veterans, and for their heartfelt lives. I appreciated the friendship between the women and their deep connection for each other, no matter what they were in it together. Vietnam a connection that would never leave them alone.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read/listen to this incredible adventure. An absolute new favourite.

I love love Julia Whelan and that’s the biggest reason why I requested the audio for The Women. She did a fantastic job with the narration. She’s an amazing narrator.

I’ve read lots of books by K. Hannah. Some I’ve loved tremendously , some not so much. The Women was somewhere in between. Definitely an emotional read, some aspects, however I wasn’t a fan of. The drama was too much, 14 hrs was really long, lots of details and vivid scenes. I feel some of them could have been left out or made shorter. The story was heartbreaking and very deeply touching. Overall good read, I enjoyed it.