The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn’t quite yet ready to hear it, and their story began with three simple words. We were there.”

Frances “Frankie” McGrath is a young Southern California girl, raised in a conservative household with a history of service to their country. Her sheltered upbringing would never suggest she serve, as the women of her family make the hero’s wall in her father’s office by marrying an officer. But when her older brother, a naval academy graduate, heads to Vietnam, Frankie wonders whether she is brave enough to follow him. She already has her nursing degree, and a war would have her finally doing more than holding a hand or changing a bedpan, especially with the Army Nurse Corps, who are desperate for candidates.

Frankie’s introduction to nursing in a war zone is a baptism by fire. She literally faces a mass casualty on day one. With the help of fellow nurses Ethel and Barb, Frankie finds her footing and her purpose in Vietnam. These two women from completely different walks of life support Frankie has she finds her footing. Frankie, who has led a privileged life on Coronado Island, learns far more than new nursing skills in ‘Nam. She learns about humility and sacrifice while also gaining independence and a new level of empowerment. Unfortunately when her time is up and she returns to the States, Frankie faces a nation that wants nothing to do with their veterans, and doesn’t acknowledge the women who served at all.

The Women is a coming-of-age story during an incredibly divisive time in America. Frankie’s experience exposes a country with discordant views and no where near finding middle ground. The open hostility Vietnam veterans like Frankie faced is shameful. Kristin Hannah does an excellent job of relaying the experience of veterans who served in a new kind of warfare and came home with far less than a hero’s welcome. She also does an excellent job of showing how PTSD, a new diagnosis at the time, affected many veterans lives post war. The amount of research and care taken with this story is evident. Once again Kristin Hannah does not disappoint. The Women has already been optioned by Warner Brothers to be turned into a film, one I for one cannot wait to watch.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and of course the author Kristin Hannah for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Women is out on February 6th. All opinions are my own.

I always enjoy a Kristin Hannah book and this is no exception. Highly recommended

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was both excited and apprehensive to read this book. My apprehension was mainly due to the story being focused on the Vietnam war. I was born in the 60’s, so the War was part of my growing up. Fathers, uncles, family friends were a part of the war so I knew the stories and they were not good.

However, being a Kristin Hannah super fan, I KNEW this book was going to be phenomenal. And the fact that she focused this book on the women of the war, even better!

This story is unbelievably well researched and the depth of the characters, the relationships and the descriptive detail will take you on an emotional roller coaster.

I received the audio of this book which was narrated by the
amazing Julia Whelan. This woman can do no wrong and she was the ONLY choice for this incredible story.

I think this book should be a MANDATORY read for all women, no matter their age. A little history, perspective, humility and insight into what our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and friends did to shape our country.

No surprise that this was a 5⭐️ read/listen for me. I will be buying a physical copy to have on my shelves. Publication date: February 6th

Thank you @kristinhannahauthor for creating this story, @justjuliawhelan for bringing this story to life and to @macmillionaudio @netgalley for the ARC

4.5-stars.
Kristin Hannah is a great dramatic writer. Her work is filled with a characters emotional turmoil. It is hard not to feel the character. I thought The Women was not any different. Following Frankie through her time in Vietnam and then dealing with the aftermath was intriguing. I feel like her life in Vietnam was not surprising, but the aftermath of what she had to deal with was eye-opening. I never understood/knew/realized how discarded the women were. I did find the second half of the book a little repetitive. I know Frankie was having a hard time with re-integrating back into the "real" world after war, and that was expressed well, but her constant back and forth felt rushed. There was an extreme low, followed by a sudden high what felt like out of nowhere. Then the low came, which made sense, but then the high seemed a little too "neat," like the low wasn't maybe as bad. That's not necessarily a negative, but there came moments where I felt like maybe the high was too easy and sort of took away from the low that just occurred. I think the last 10% of the book did a good job bringing all those high and lows together and it made a little more sense especially given Frankie's age and growth/understanding/learning needed at that time of her life. Either way, great read and Julia Whelan is an awesome narrator.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the arc.

Fantastic! When I pick up a book by Kristin Hannah, I know that I may not like the characters (or agree with their decisions) but that I will get swept away into a story that will not let go until the very end. This was no exception. Frankie has hard a tough time with PTSD after Vietnam and help was hard to come by. I had no idea the struggles the nurses (and other personnel in Vietnam that didn’t see combat) had upon return and the spotlight the book shines on their service and sacrifice, only to be told they were less than once they sought help. I had hoped there would be more focus on the other two nurses since the title alluded to more than one point of view. Highly recommended for a wonderful story of friendship, strength, resilience, and learning from your mistakes.

I've now read enough Kristin Hannah books that I know how they work. I will experience a roller coaster of emotions that most likely end in tears and I try not to get attached to characters because they will more than likely die. However, I still needed to read this book because I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.

What I loved most about this book was the journey I took with Frankie McGrath. Hannah's writing was so powerful and the narration so captivating that I felt like I was experiencing every emotion along with her. I was angry, i was anxious, I was joyful and I was heartbroken--- and I think all happened within one chapter. I found myself anxious to get to work so I could drown out the noises and escape to the battle field of Vietnam or the beach of Coronado.

And while I found myself crying at the end, they were tears of joy and peace which I was so happy to get to experience.

And spoiler alert--- my favorite character didn't die this time!

Frankie McGrath, a young woman living in Los Angeles, didn’t want to be ordinary; she aspired more for herself. After doing some research and hearing women can be heroes too, Frankie decided to enlist in the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam war.

I know I have said this many times before but KRISTIN HANNAH CAN DO NO WRONG! This story was simultaneously empowering and heartbreaking. Frankie was such a beautifully written character. I was so vividly wrapped in this story that it literally felt like I was right there.

This is a story about courage, hope, heartbreak, sisterhood, and perseverance. So many topics are explored in this book and I have to say the author did such an amazing job.

One thing I love about KH is that she 👏🏼 does 👏🏼 her 👏🏼 damn 👏🏼 research. The way she tackled grief and PTSD (amongst other topics) was absolutely graceful. In addition, the research and time that went into making sure things were told correctly from a history’s POV was amazing. Again, her research is impeccable - this is what makes her a top tier writer.

I loved every second I spent reading/hearing this book. Frankie’s growth during and after the war was so powerful. Indeed, a loving character during any point in her life.

This book was a beautiful tribute to all those wonderful and strong women that served but were not even acknowledged to have been there. They were there. They matter.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC. Julia Whelan, you bring every book to life and I will listen to anything you narrate. You especially do such a great job with KH’s books.

I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy. You don’t want to miss reading this one!
Pub date: 02/06/24

Find me on IG: @coffeebreakwithrachel

Rye told Frankie, “I’m afraid I’ll love you until I die”, which when you are serving in Vietnam, is not a good way for someone to profess their feelings.

The depiction of the women serving as nurses in Vietnam in the first half of this novel, was nothing like the comedic portrayal of the military medical team I had watched on the TV series M.A.S.H. Sure, they had some downtime for fun, but it was intense, harrowing, and tragic. The female bonds of friendship formed in the trenches sustained them long after the war ended.

After returning home, Frankie had a hard time adjusting to civilian life and was hurt by the ignorance of the American people who didn’t believe that women could be Veterans of war and said there were no women in Vietnam because they didn’t see combat.

There are plenty of historical tidbits about politicians, peace rallies gone wrong, and organizations such as VVFW that advocated to end the war and the Families of the Prisoners of War who persisted to not forget the soldiers that were left behind. I know a lot of military wives and families and I can’t imagine what it was like for them not knowing where a husband, father, or son was for years and getting little help from our government.

Like other Kristin Hannah books, this novel is compelling, and I could not stop listening to it (finishing over 14 hours of audiobook in just over 2 days). This book quickly grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go. There are surprising twists and romance, but I was glad that it was more than a history lesson or a love story. It tells about how to move forward rather than dwell in the past and how we need to be there for each other with compassion during life’s highs and lows.

Raised in the affluent community of Coronado Island in Southern California and Living right by her conservative family Frances “Frankie” McGrath is a “good girl. She prides herself on always doing the right thing but now Frankie is ready to make an impact. Her brother, fresh out of the naval academy and off to Vietnam, Frankie enlists as a nurse with the army. Once she arrives in Vietnam she has a rude awakening and discovers more about herself than she ever thought possible.
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What a story! I was enthralled from page one. Are we really surprised? Hannah has proven herself to be a wonderful writer and I The Women is nothing short of that. I was so engrossed in this story. I loved Frankie and all of the trials and tribulations she faced. The audio was incredible too. I appreciated how Hannah tackled the tougher subjects that come with military service. Especially as early as the 60s when things like PTSD were not known. In true KH form This was a great book.
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Thank you netgalley and St. Martins Press for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to my physical copy.

Women can be heroes too.

Wow. This one was heavy, but so important. THE WOMEN is a well-researched historical fiction by Kristin Hannah that takes us through a woman's experience in the Vietnam War, and the aftermath of coming home to a country divided. The main character is Frankie McGrath, a sheltered young woman from California who enlists as an army nurse in Vietnam. The first half of the book details her experience on-the-ground in Vietnam in hospital bases, and doesn't hold back from grim, realistic descriptions of wartime casualties. I found this first half interesting, fast-paced, and loved to see the character's growth in her confidence as a nurse. The second half of the book covers her transition home, and trying to find her place as a woman in a charged America where no one wants to acknowledge what she did. There were themes of PTSD, strained familial relationships, betrayal, and substance abuse, and I believe the author did a very good job in conveying all the emotions that accompanied these struggles. Frankie is truly a flawed, yet persistently resilient main character that you can't help but root for.

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for my gifted audio copy. of THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah. I especially enjoyed the narration by Julia Whelan who brought this story to life beautifully.

THIS BOOK. It was absolutely incredible. I adored it. the audiobook reading by Julia Whelan was flawless. I cannot wait for everyone to read this book!!

This will likely be my favorite book of 2024. What an important story this is! It is powerful and important. The Vietnam War Veterans weren't treated well by their own country, and the women who were there in various roles, were forgotten and dismissed. This novel addresses all of the hardships and PTSD of the men and women who served, and gave a glimpse of what civilian life was like for them upon their return and the years after. Kristin Hannah is a master storyteller, and one of my favorite authors. She's not afraid to write about these difficult times in history, and to remind us of our history. I will recommend this book to women and men because I believe it is that important. Bravo! Well done!

Oh my. I knew that Kristin Hannah is my favorite author, but The Women solidified it for me. It was real, hard, and honest. It’s only January of 2024 and I can say that this will be a favorite this year.

The Women is a beautiful, heartbreaking story of young Frankie (from a beautiful, safe home in Coronado Island) who becomes a new nurse in Vietnam. Frankie saves as many as she can, and if she cannot, she holds their hands in their final moments (part 1). It is in Vietnam where she meets friends, Ethel and Barb, who are also nurses.
We then explore Frankie’s life after she comes home from Vietnam (protests and the negative way our military members were treated when they arrived home) and then we go through the years after the war as Frankie continues to suffer through the aftermath of the war (PTSD and addiction). This includes Frankie not receiving the help she needed because “there were no women in Vietnam.”
Audiobook - Honestly, I was nervous before listening to the Audiobook for this one. Would I get the same feelings and emotions I do with other Kristin Hannah books? The answer is YES. I still felt, and was truly drawn in from the start. Bravo to Julia Whelan for truly doing a beautiful job and bringing these characters to life.

This book is such a beautiful tribute to the women who served in Vietnam. Thank you Kristin Hannah, I will leave this story in my heart for years to come.

“Welcome home and thank you”

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Macmillan audio for my gifted audio copy.

This deserves all the stars!

This emotional and powerful story takes you on a journey through the heartbreak of war. Highlighting the harrowing moments doctors and nurses faced in Vietnam and the shocking mistreatment of veterans and nurses upon their return home. You'll be on the edge of your seat as you experience their struggles and triumphs, and be left with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices they made.

This is a must-read!

***Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Hannah, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

Written by Kristin Hannah AND read by Julia Whalen = perfection. This book breaks your heart again and again. An easy 5 stars.

How I love to read Kristin Hannah's books! This was such a great story and possibly a real true one also. It was during a time that I lived thru also so it made me enjoy it even more. The Vietnam war was a terrible period for people. So many lost their loved ones and went through the same traumatic time. Writing letters was the only way to communicate with those poor souls. I just can't imagine how this book will make people feel that lived in those sad times. It all comes back to you, worrying if they would come home. Seeing the news and waiting for the mailman. The love story in this book and how it affects veterans was amazingly accurate. I am rating it a high 5 and recommend everyone to read it. Thank you!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC of this audio in return for my honest opinion. This audio book blew me away! Frances McGrath is an RN who decides to enlist in the army during the time of war that, although it's not said, is comparable to Vietnam. Her parents don't approve of her going because she is a female. Her brother had enlisted only a few months before. She is only 20, and is thrown in the thick of it all. She and two the other women there form a tight-knit bond that continues when they are back home. Women were not allowed in combat but they suffered the same feelings as the men when they returned home. Unfortunately, the VA who helped men returning from war, refused to acknowledge that women may need help as well.

It was just such an heart wrenching story, knowing what in fact took place, and what the poor servicemen went through while in Vietnam. This story is so well written, of course, by Kristen Hannah, and the narrator is great as well. I had to listen to this all the way through. I only stopped for 3 hours, because I fell asleep.

3 1/2

Note: Because I listened to the audiobook, there is a chance that name spellings may be wrong.

Frankie McGrath is fresh out of nursing school when she decides to follow her best friend and brother, Finn, to Vietnam by becoming an Army nurse. Yes, it’s war, but the way Finn’s described it doesn’t make it sound so bad. When Frankie arrives, she realizes that she is completely unready for the experience she’s now jumped into head-first. However, with the help of her hooch-mates and fellow nurses, Ethel and Barb, and doctor, Jamie, Frankie begins to find her place in a horrible situation.

After two successive tours of duty are up, Frankie returns to her home in California forever changed by things that she witnessed in Vietnam. Once again, she finds herself not ready. Not ready to return to civilian life. Not ready for the treatment extended to Vietnam vets. Not ready to no longer know who she is or what her purpose is. And, because of this Frankie falls apart.

First, let me address the audiobook aspect. Julia Whelan is a great narrator who I will seek out in the future. She immerses the listener in the experience, giving believable voices to all of the characters. The only thing that lifted me from the experience was her pronunciation of “corpsmen” in which the “s” should be silent. But that was only in the first quarter of the book. Otherwise, just a stellar performance.

While Frankie was in Vietnam, The Women seemed well-paced, perhaps because something was always happening and Frankie was inundated with new experiences. She did fall in love at the drop of a hat with unavailable men. Is all fair in love and war?

After Frankie’s return home, the novel became predictable. Even a scene in her first nursing job back in the states struck a chord of déjà vu in me because I am certain I encountered such a scene elsewhere with the same repercussions. Back home, Frankie begins a downward progression that quickly became melodramatic. Now, I am not a fan of melodrama although I realize that there are readers who devour it like popcorn, in which case they/you will love the middle of this book. I, however, did not.

There was a good deal of repetition. The same conversation occurred between Frankie and two different men: I was a an eagle scout. You were? No.

And, I whole-heartedly believe that a hundred or more pages could have been excised without the book losing any of its meaning.

I did enjoy the last quarter of the book in which Frankie discovered herself. I enjoyed reading about the veterans coming together at the Vietnam Memorial, about characters recognizing their truths and the truths of others. In fact, I think that this section could have been bulked up as it zoomed by in comparison to the draggy middle bit. Ah, well.

For what it’s worth, I will tell you that my opinions are in the minority on Goodreads where the overall rating for The Women is 4.68 so this may well be a case of your-mileage-may-vary and be better than mine. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for sending me this audiobook.

“There were no women in Vietnam.”

In “The Women”, Kristin Hannah does what she does best, weaves compelling stories through historical events.

We see Vietnam through the eyes of a young Army nurse, Frankie McGrath. She volunteers for what she thinks will be a year of changing bandages in a hospital far from battle. However, she finds herself in an Evac Hospital on the front lines. Nothing has prepared her for what she sees and experiences.

She is also unprepared for her return to an America that is unwelcoming to those returning from Vietnam and the denial that women, like her, even served.

This book follows Frankie and the women with whom she served on two decade journey through Vietnam and finding life back in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for allowing me to preview this title on audio.

WOW, what a book!! I finished this audiobook in just 2 days. Julia Whelan can do no wrong, and this was definitely one of my favorite performances by her. This was my first Kristin Hannah book and it certainly won't be my last. This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. I knew soldiers were not treated well after this war, but I had no idea there were women that served, and I never heard about their story and how they were treated once they got home. I learned so much throughout this book. I really liked that there were additional resources at the end. I have been talking to friends about this book non-stop since I read it, and I will be recommending it to everyone at the library. I haven't read Kristin Hannah before, but I would still say this is an excellent first book to read by her. This will hands down be in my top 5 this year, and this book will be sticking with me for a long time!