I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This will be one of the top reads 2024, if not the best book of 2024. This book was beautifully done on a topic I knew little about. I love how the book tied up all loose ends and how beautifully done it was. I felt more proud to be a woman after reading this book than ever.

This book was so good! This books focuses on the Women who served in the Vietnam war and their struggles in the military and after the war. I was born in the 80's so I didn't know much about this war except what was learned in school. I have no family that was in Vietnam so it never directly impacted my life. One of the things that I love about Kristin Hannah's historical books is how she can stay true to the history that happened during that time and still weave a captivating story. I felt every emotion for Frankie in this whole book, I felt pride, grief, hope, her strength, her passion, and her vulnerability. This is such a moving and powerful story. I encourage everyone to grab yourself a copy once it is out. I was able to to listen to the narration which the narrator did a fabulous job.

This was an incredible book about the Vietnam War and the women who served. Kristin Hannah follows Frankie's story, an army nurse who served two tours in Vietnam. Frankie comes home from war to people spitting on her and nightmares, not the welcome home she expected. The Women tackles so many tough issues- war time, friendships, love, gender equality, PTSD, addiction, etc etc. I could not put this book down and it will stay with me for awhile!

Julia Whelan is an excellent narrator. She did a fantastic job with this book. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, especially when it’s about a war, so I didn’t really think I would like this book. I liked enough of her other books though so I figured I’d give it a shot. I did end up liking it for the most part. I think it will do really well like her other recent books have.

Wow! My first read of 2024 and first Kristin Hannah and I already know it’s going to be one of my top reads of the year. So emotional, brave, empowering, insightful, transformative. From the character development to the heartbreaking twists and turns the story took, I know this story will stay with me for awhile. You can’t miss this one and I highly recommend the audiobook because Julia Whelan as usual is a phenomenal storyteller.

THE WOMEN was another outstanding story by Kristin Hannah. I didn't know a lot about the women (nurses) that were serving in the Vietnam War, so this was eye opening for me. Frankie really went through many experiences of death, lost love, and the need for acceptance from her father. You will be taken on an emotional roller coaster throughout her life. I will caution you to have tissues close by, as I cried a lot by the end of this book. I really appreciate all the research that Hannah did while writing this story and the people that helped her along the way. I can't recommend the audiobook enough. It was outstanding! All the stars!!

Many thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for my gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to the pub date.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Pub Date: February 6, 2024
Audiobook 5 ✰

A special thank you to @macmillanaudio & @netgalley for the ALC of this amazing 5 ⭐️ read! Kristin Hannah does it again!

Although I’ve finished reading it weeks ago, The Women by Kristin Hannah is still weighing heavily on my mind. I’ll be honest I did not think I would love and enjoy this book as much as I did. I thought: “Hrmm, a book on war from a women’s perspective?” But it was SO much more than just that! This was a tale of love and loss weaved into a beautiful story of growth, self-awareness, and camaraderie with strangers who become like family in an instant.

The author clearly did her research while writing this novel. It is a coming of age story of a young nurse named Frankie which takes place during a time when women at war weren’t recognized or revered. This was a very emotional read for me. I cried. A LOT!🤣 The stories of the brave men and women at war and the resulting casualties from the war were heart-wrenching.

The book is very well written and I’d highly recommend it to everyone! Especially to anyone that loves history, romance, and a powerful story that will surely invoke some thinking.

Side Note: There were a lot of military references that I was familiar with due to my dad having served for 30 years. He is also a Vietnam veteran so this book really did give me all of the feels and gave me a sense of pride mixed with sorrow.

TW: War, death, blood + serious injuries. If you’re a sensitive person, there are parts you may have trouble reading but overall it wasn’t too bad.

The easiest 5 stars ever. I wish I could rate higher. How on earth did Kristin Hannah put us into this world so thoroughly?!?! In her epilogue Hannah answers that by crediting some amazing sources with real life experience.

When I thought about Vietnam I also wasn’t one who would picture any female. Yes this has romance but the main relationship focus is with her friends, parents, and most importantly herself. Yes I wanted to scream at Frances multiple times, but she was living as best she could under insanely traumatic circumstances. Her story of finding herself and her voice in the world will stay with you long after you binge the heck out of this book!

“The women” is a stunning depiction of going to war, surviving war, and life after war.
“In this crazy chaotic divided world that was run by men, you could count on the women”

So grateful to NetGalley for providing me with the advanced audiobook version (WOO HOO Julia Whalen knocking it out of the park again) in exchange for my honest review

I have read a couple of this authors books, not her more recent ones (I have them on my shelf to read), but this book was wonderful!
The historical fiction books seem to always be about World War I or II. This book was about Vietnam. I learned so much listening to this book, it caught my attention after chapter 2. I could not stop listening to this even though I was reading other books that are due to the library. The cover and author caught my eye when requesting. I requested to read the book, and then I saw it was an audio book, so I requested it. I was approved for the audio book.and after listening to the book, I withdrew my request for reading it, so they can share with someone else. This book with be one that my high school students will get to read when it comes out in February. Not only will they learn about Vietnam, but the impact women had over there. Also how the news doesn’t always give us the whole story. This book also shows not to give up on yourself.. I have already recommended to many others. Wonderful, wonderful book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was a phenomenal book and the narrator was amazing.
Absolutely loved it!

I still can’t get over how excited I was to receive a copy of this book. When I started listening and heard Julia Whelan’s voice I was thrilled. I love Kristin Hannah books and Julia is the GOAT of narration for me. This book was so well done. I learned so much, I felt so much and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It is only January 7th, but I know I just finished the best book of my reading year. Well done, Kristin and thank you for choosing Julia to read it, she did not disappoint.

Wow! After reading several of Kristin Hannah's books I was excited to find "The Women" gave one my all time favorite books, "The Nightingale," some stiff competition! The storyline is centered around the Vietnam War and follows the unbelievable and heroic journey of, Francis "Frankie" McGrath, a 21-year-old combat nurse. Hannah is very passionate and completed decades worth of research on this topic, stating in an interview that "Nurses went to Vietnam and experienced horrible conditions, as well as amazing camaraderie and growth. Then, they came home and were forgotten." She truly does an amazing job portraying what life was like for the women serving in the Vietnam War. Her writing is so powerful and I was bummed when the book ended! I really enjoyed the main character Frankie. Her strength, courage and determination to prove to the world that "women can be heroes too" will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads this beautifully written novel.

Thank you to Kristin Hannah, Julia Whelan, Macmillan Audio and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read/listen to this incredible audiobook!

Title: "The Women" by Kristin Hannah - A Mixed Perspective
Rating: 3 stars
Narrated by Julia Whelan

The novel revolves around twenty-year-old nursing student Frankie McGrath, exploring her journey through the tumultuous landscape of war. Set against the backdrop of 1965, the narrative vividly portrays the evolving world and Frankie's daring aspirations for a different future.

Despite the title, "The Women," focusing predominantly on Frankie, I felt that Ethel and Barb's character was somewhat overshadowed, rendering them more like a caricatures. The narration, however, was smooth and well-executed, providing a seamless flow to the story. While the aftermath of war consequences were powerful, the storytelling occasionally fell into the trap of narration over demonstration.
The book successfully sheds light on the experiences of women in the midst of war, delving into their sacrifice and commitment often forgotten by history. Despite my reservations about the storytelling approach, "The Women" offers a poignant tale of deep friendships and unwavering patriotism, anchored by a memorable heroine whose courage defines an era

I encourage prospective readers not to be dissuaded by my review, as it's evident from the numerous high praises that this book has garnered even before its publication. However, my personal experience with the story was somewhat lukewarm. I found the narrative to lean more towards telling than showing, a preference that left me longing for a deeper immersion into the characters' experiences.

I extend my gratitude to Netgalley and MacMillan for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Just like all of Kristin Hannah’s work, this book is fantastic. I love how the first part of the book tells her time in Vietnam and the second tells her time after coming back home. There is so much research and history packed into this story but told in such a way that is easy and interesting to read. I highly recommend this book.

I am so glad I got this to read!!!
This book was amazing! I could not stop reading it and never wanted it to end. Kristin Hannah has such a beautiful way with writing emotion and characters. I felt so deeply for the characters and what they went through.

You could tell how much time and research Kristin put into this book. I learned so much about the time period and war. Kristin Hannah continues to be an auto buy author for me!

This was a good book, but not my favorite from Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale will never be surpassed for me and The Great Alone and Firefly Lane are other favorites). The premise of this story was really promising and intriguing to me. I appreciate the effort the author put into focusing on the heroism of the women of the Vietnam War and exposing the struggles they faced when returning home after their time in war. I did have a few issues with the book overall:

1) I wish more of the plot was set in Vietnam. I was engrossed in the beginning of the book while Frankie was serving in Vietnam but once she returned home I started to get more distracted from the book.
2) The book would have been stronger to me if Frankie had fewer love interests. It was hard to get connected to this part with so many men in and out.
3) I think the story could have been cut down by about 100 pages for a more impactful read.

Still, this was a great read that I think everyone should pick up when it publishes 2/6/24. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Julia Whalen and she is always fabulous.

I have read Kristen Hannah books for years and she just keeps getting better. This was the best book I have read in a long time. The story is very compelling. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. This book is a well-deserved look at what women who served in Vietnam experienced while in country and back home while they tried to return to their everyday lives.

Kristin Hannah does it again. She has such a craft at real story telling. She brings you in and you feel like you’re there with the MC. She gives you hope, breaks your heart and brings it back full circle. I could see this being a hit series as Firefly was. There’s so many layers to move through in this book. Also, appreciate the insight to the Vietnam war, the women there and what it was like for some when they came back. Thank you KH for writing beautiful stories. Thank you NetGalley for the AlC

This was an incredible and eye-opening story. While I knew Vietnam wasn’t a popular war, I had no idea how poorly those who served were treated upon returning home. Especially the women. Kristin Hannah has, with her usual skill, brought this story to life with a relatable, strong, and most of all HUMAN protagonist. I loved this book.

Quick intro:
The Women follows Frankie McGrath during her service as a nurse in the Vietnam War and the trials she faces as she returns back home.

Quick thoughts:
As we’ve come to expect, Kristin Hannah remains a masterful storyteller. And with any book by Hannah you’re basically signing up for an emotional rollercoaster and heartbreak. The Women is no different. This is a heart wrenching story of the women who served in Vietnam, how it affected them, and the world they came home to after their tours. It’s also a story about loss and love and finding oneself.

I was crying, gasping, muttering to myself, and all around enraged listening to this story. My heart BREAKS for our men and women who served in Vietnam and returned home to parents who were of the generation who told their children to just move on, don’t think on it, let it go, enough is enough, forget it, put the pain away, and carry on.

When Frankie got home from Vietnam, struggled to acclimate, and asked for help she was always dismissed. She and so many others were failed. She was constantly told that there were no women in Vietnam and “that she didn’t see combat.” Every time she cried out for help, was dismissed, and delved deeper into depression and substance abuse I got more and more angry.

I loved the way the book ended and I really was a puddle of tears listening to it while walking around my house. Gah! It was so perfect and it’s been days and I’m still thinking about it.

In her author’s note, Kristin Hannah says how telling this story was decades in the making and honestly you can tell she did decades worth of research. She has spent countless hours reading and listening to first hand accounts and has realized how many women’s stories have been forgotten or overlooked. Approximately 10,000 American military women were stationed in Vietnam during the war, yet unbelievably so many of them were told “there were no women in Vietnam” when they came home. I studied the Vietnam War in college and knew about our country’s response to veterans, but my eyes were opened to the unique experience of women vets through Hannah’s writing.

If you are at all an audiobook person, I cannot recommend the audiobook enough. Julia Whelan breathes so much emotion and depth into Kristin Hannah’s books and is such an incredible narrator. This is the third book of Hannah’s I have listened to and none of them have been misses! Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Quick Details:
PUB DATE: Feb 6, 2024
CW: Death, miscarriage, drug use, addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, infidelity, war, PTSD, infant death, surgery/injury/torture depictions