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.

Honestly the best book I've read in a while. I do recommend having some tissues around while reading it. I don't recall ever crying this much while reading a book. Also free up your schedule because once you start you wont be able to put the book down.

As a began reading the book I found my self being disappointed and ashamed at people because of the things that Frankie endured when she enlisted. It made me think about how we as a society don't appreciate the sacrifice that veterans made for freedom and for love of our country. It made me think about if I have ever thanked a veteran or if I've just ignore there existence. As I spoke to a friend about this book we discuss how adults that read are more empathetic than adults that do not and this book is a perfect example of that, this book open our eyes to a situation that we may never understand otherwise.

I am still recovering from the impact this book had in me. This book brought to life many emotions with its characters, something that I can't seem to get over is how I was able to develop an immediate connection with the characters and how they will have an impact in my life indefinitely. Frankie is one of those characters she will be unforgettable.

I believe this is my favorite work by Kristin Hannah.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this amazing book.

My favorite so far of Kristin Hannah's. The characters are complex and wonderfully likable. A fabulous story about long forgotten women.

I must admit, this is my first Kristin Hannah book. I know I am in the minority, especially for readers that enjoy historical fiction. I may not be a complete convert, but I will definitely be looking into her previously published works. What I loved the most about The Women is the exploration into gender bias and discrimination during the Vietnam War era. Beyond the fact that the military and government did nothing to support the women who served, society as a whole failed them. Women of this generation were at a crossroads. Do they become the radical visionaries of the second wave of feminism or do they quietly accept their mother’s silent generation standard of femininity.

I had high hopes Frankie would fall into the first, but she was a bit hard to love as the MC. My annoyance increased as she failed to recognize the extreme amount of privilege she had. Minor characters dealt with far more societal discrimination and ostracization and yet they not only thrived, but continually showed up to uplift and support Frankie. I do want to temper this personal bias as there is no architype for PTSD and due to this Frankie was not capable of handling her post-war experience in the same manner.

The Women is a coming-of-age story told in two parts. Part one focuses on Frankie’s decision to enlist as an army nurse in Vietnam. Her naivete and rose-tinted idealism of the war and what makes someone a “hero” are the main reasons for her decision. Her parents, especially her father, do not support this decision nor do they accept the changing role of women in America. During her two tours in Vietnam, Frankie makes lifetime friendships, becomes and incredible trauma nurse, and has two ill-fated affairs of the heart.

Part two is a doozy…Frankie comes home to a world that doesn’t support servicemen, let alone servicewomen. Beyond this she finds her own parents do not support her service and her father lied to all their country club friends about her whereabouts for the last two years. One bad thing after another enfolds in Frankie’s life, becoming so excessive that the poor girl just can’t catch a break. Her parents were complete enablers, her mother setting her up for abusing prescription pills instead of having the difficult conversation about mental health. Her father enables her by helping her avoid an arrest, for a very serious crime, and later paying to have her record expunged. Finally, her parents step up and she is admitted to inpatient care in order to get the support she needs.

Thinking about the book as a whole, I believe this is an important story and very worth reading. Frankie’s story is one of strength and fortitude to survive systemic gender bias during this era. I support her and all of the women that faced this discrimination and no longer silently accepted it. Due to the groundwork they set, women today are no longer silent nor do they feel they have to accept a predetermined role in society.

The audio production of this book was outstanding. Julia Whelan is one of my favorite narrators and she does a superb job with all of the characters.

For me **in my opinion** this is a 1 star, but, I guess, this book wasn’t for me since the beginning. So, I am giving it 3 stars because there’s nothing wrong with the writing per se.

Who is this book for? If you like Mexican soap operas, or soap operas in general, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!

A good way to summarize this book is that anything that can go wrong WILL MOST DEFINITELY GO WRONG. I am surprised her best friends didn’t die too, to be honest.

It is exactly like watching La Usurpadora. When she is happy someone dies, someone cheats, or someone says her experience is not valid. When you think people are dead, they come back from the dead! THIS IS EXACTLY LIKE 'LA USURPADORA'. It was a torture to finish this book, but hey if you like to read about people suffering non-stop this is for you.

In sum, I HATED THIS BOOK, but I can see that there’s an audience for this type of novel and maybe it is you! The writing is fine, I just don’t like the plot.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy is exchange for my honest review.

The Women by Kristin Hannah. This book has a release date of February 6th and if you love Historical Fiction -preorder it now. This is the 13th Hannah book I have read and she is the queen of Historical Fiction in my opinion. Her books have broken me on many occasions!! (The Nightingale 😭) This book was no different. Sobs throughout the final pages. When her brother Fin leaves to serve in Vietnam, Frankie impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows him. The first half follows her years in Vietnam and the second half when she returns.
Female friendships ❤️ PTSD, addiction, heartbreak
The authors note is important and shows you how much time and thought went into this book. Huge thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy!

“The Women” was a cinematic story featuring Frances, aka Frankie, who served as a nurse during the Vietnam War. Along with two close nurse friends, she faced some horrific experiences and also had some good times during her service. Frankie also dealt with a lot of loss and couldn’t understand the dismissive attitude of Americans when she returned home. After the war, she had a tumultuous journey with her parents, relationships, and career. I’m so glad that Kristin Hannah shared this story to help readers today recognize the sacrifices of earlier generations. This was well researched and well written. Julia Whelan’s narration of the audiobook made it a fabulous reading experience. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I read The Nightingale. I loved it. So I was eager to read The Women. And I tried. I tried so very hard. But I cannot make it past the first 100 pages. I applaud the author for trying something different, but what is this book? Has she never heard of China Beach? The only thing saving the audiobook is the narrator — Julia Whelan — who brings the book to life, cause Hannah sure ain’t.

If this book isn’t on your radar, it should be. It releases February 6, and will undoubtedly soar to the top of the bestseller list, and for good reason. This book reinforces Kristin Hannah’s role as one of the queens of telling the stories of 20th century women.

Frances (Frankie) McGrath comes from an American family with a strong history of military men, but she believes women can be heroes too, and so she enlists as a combat nurse in the Vietnam War. And while the experience of war is more violent and emotional than Frankie could ever have imagined, the real challenge is waiting for her when she comes home to a family who won’t acknowledge her service, a country divided over the war, and Army supports that won’t recognize her as a veteran because of her gender.

Kristin Hannah never shies away from hard topics, and this book is no exception. It needs to come with a long list of trigger warnings, from war violence to PTSD, miscarriage, attempted suicide, substance abuse, this one runs the gamut of heart-wrenching topics. If you can handle it, this one is worth the heartache and every tear you will undoubtedly shed.

I listened to this one on audiobook, and @justjuliawhelan does a phenomenal job with the narration.

A huge thanks to @netgalley for the advanced listener copy.