📕”There was no woman in Nam” - where there is tragedy, there is woman to fix it. I hated everyone who didn’t set a foot in Vietnam felt so inclined to say this to women who were actually there. Those who had no idea about what was going on there were blaming these women for what they have done
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📗I was wondering if this book was going to focus only on the war or if it had another agenda. I was glad to see that half of it was about the war and the other half was about veterans coming back to feel alienated. It was obviously harder for these veterans to step back into the society than going into the war
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📘I was amazed by this book. It was so full of tragedies, traumas, but also had few happy endings. It wasn’t a Debbie downer at the end

The Women is told from Frankie’s perspective and includes her time as a combat nurse during the Vietnam War. So many men in her family served and were on the hero’s wall in her families home that she wanted to do the same. Her family was not happy about her going and told people that she was studying abroad in France at the time. Frankie developed great friendships wile in Vietnam and eve had a few chances at love. When Frankie returns home to a divided America, she was not given the support that she needed and suffered from extreme PTSD. Her fight for help and then turning to helping others was heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time.

Wow, I am not typically a historical fiction lover, but this book was absolutely amazing. I have never been so emotional while listening to a book. There were numerous times that I just cried over the mistreatment of vets and specially the women that were serving during the Vietnam War as well. I think the saddest thing for me is that there was no help when she was asking for help and that her parents just acted as if it was nothing and that she should not be as depressed as she was. This quote hit me hard when it comes to PTSD in war vets “War drama isn’t a competitive sport, nor is it one size fits all.” And we really should support our vets better than we have in the past.

Thank you
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to listen to The Women in audio form in exchange for my honest review.

Synopsis
From the author that brought you titles, The Nightingale and The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah brings another FIVE STAR book to readers. This time, Hannah tells the story about the women in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Frankie is our FMC and comes from a family of war heroes, her older brother, included. Frankie wants to follow in her big brother's foot steps and with a degree in nursing, she volunteers for the Army Nurse Corp to serve alongside her brother in Vietnam.

The entire story is told from Frankie's perspective, including her time as a combat nurse. Frankie feels her place is within nursing and finds lifelong friendships while serving in Vietnam. What she never expected was the trauma and aftermath that would follow her home once she left and returned to the divided America.

We watch Frankie cope with returning from war, how to manages her relationships and how she finds purpose in supporting other women of the Vietnam War.

I will not be providing Tropes as my followers have expressed they prefer not to have the tropes revealed prior to reading a book.

My Opinion
I have never read (or listened) to a book that left me so emotional throughout the entire book. I wept throughout this entire novel. Perhaps the listening experience evoked more emotion as the voices and characters were brought to life.

While there are benefits of listening to the audiobook, I would have liked a physical copy of the book for the quotes, names and dates. When the book is released, I will be purchasing a copy for myself and re-reading for this exact purpose.

Rating
5 stars and I didn't even finish the book before I was texting friends about them needing to add this to their TBR with the release date to be added to their calendars. This is the best book I have read this year and I just finished a book that I claimed to be the best book of the year.

I'm having a hard time getting ahold of myself after finishing this one. This was just... absolutely gorgeous. I was a fan of Kristin Hannah's work before, but this was a sweeping, beautiful, compelling story that brought up every emotion you could ever want to experience as a reader. Am I okay? I honestly don't know.

The pacing was almost on the verge of a being a thriller, and yet it never felt overly rushed. At the same time, the reader was provided with exactly the right amount of detail to allow that feeling of total immersion in each scene. I feel like I've been bewitched.

As Hannah states in her acknowledgements, this is one of those books that was in the making for decades, and it shows. The attention to detail that comes with historical fiction is one thing, but Hannah found a way to make this story both relevant and necessary in a modern world in a way that was completely new and nostalgic at the same time. And yes, I realize this review is full of contradictions, but there is no other way to describe the reading experience, so lean on in. It is truly a work of art that does exactly what reading should do; educate, entertain, open discussions and increase empathy, understanding and compassion.

Also, I only want to listen to books narrated by Julia Whelan from now until forever, thank you.

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Kristin Hannah for pulverizing my very essence into a paste and then sending me back out into the real world, I guess? I'll have another.

Wow. Kristin Hannah has done it again - what an incredibly well-written novel! I am so thankful to have gotten to read it early; thank you NetGalley!

The Women is a story that focuses on the experience of female veterans from the Vietnam War who have often been an overlooked and forgotten population. Told from the perspective of one woman, Frankie (Frances) McGrath. There are a lot of comparisons that can be drawn from Frankie’s complicated relationship/life experiences to the complex nature of the war. The portrayal of Frankie’s struggle after the war was very accurate, and it was very hard to read all the ways she struggled but was blocked from getting help.

It’s obvious that Kristin Hannah spent a ton of time researching and learning from others in order to write this remarkable book. The whole story was incredibly realistic, and the ending was beautifully done. All in all, a fantastic read if you’re even slightly interested in historical fiction.

The women
Kristen Hannah has a gift of taking you with her along for the ride. I was transported back to Vietnam and that time frame. I walked alongside these women, Franny, Barb and Ethel along with the surgical men. I was there living there experiences through the pages of her book. My emotions were captivated and connected to each and every moment shared.

Yes, her literature can be sad at times however, her books make you feel all the emotions. the history alone has taught me so much throughout the pages and the characters that come with it whom you grow to love.

I am ending this one appreciating the work and time Kristen took to write this novel. I am will continue to follow through on this void I need to fill with more knowledge of the women in Vietnam war. I will recommend this book for all of 2024.

I read this in August on a flight and when I saw Julia Whelan was the narrator I knew I needed to listen to The Women too. Julia Whelan did an incredible job of bringing a book I loved and making me love it even more. I highly highly recommend listening to The Women. This might be some of Julia's best work.

At just under 15 hours, it's a long audiobook, but you should listen to it. 5 stars for the book and 5 stars for the audio!

Kristin Hannah is such a wonderful storyteller and from the first few pages, I was captivated. The Women is a story about Frankie who impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1965 to go to Vietnam and is a coming of age during the tumultuous 1960s and 70s both in her experience as a surgical nurse and her experience once she's returned home. The first part of the book is Frankie's experience in Vietnam, showing the horrors of war she saw and the friendship formed with her fellow nurses. The second part is what happens once she's returned home and the PTSD she faces especially when she tries to get help and is told " there were no women in Vietnam" and how her parents treat her and her service.

I loved seeing Frankie grow from a privileged upper middle-class college graduate to a combat nurse and then trying to find herself post-Vietnam. The way her character is written as well as Ethel and Barbs is so well done. I loved the friendship with Ethel and Barb, especially over the years!

I think the hardest part of this book was reading about Frankie's despair and when she tried to get help and knowing that there were thousands of men and women coming home from Vietnam who felt the same way and how they were treated. I sobbed through a lot of this book (like every KH book) and I'm so glad we are starting to see more of this era.

I immediately went down the rabbit hole about the women in Vietnam and my next book is Healing Wounds by Diane Carlson Evans as she recounts her experience to get the Vietnam Women’s Memorial added to the Vietnam Memorial. I want to read more about these women.

This book is about so much more than Vietnam and about sacrifice and honor and heroes.

You need to read this when it comes out in 2024.

The Women by Kristin Hannah is the best book I have read this year. Set initially during the Vietnam War, Hannah takes us to the front lines and what it was like for the women at war, the bonds that are formed, and how friendship can save you.
Not since The Nightingale have I loved a book so much. The depth of character, and the description of everything Frankie endures and survives, it feels like the reader is with her on her unbelievable, gut-wrenching journey. I knew this story would gut me and it did, but it was magical, educational and such an amazing journey. I highly recommend it.

Oh. My. Goodness. This was absolutely stunning. Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the chance to review The Women by Kristin Hannah. Frankie is a new nurse who decides to follow in her brother’s footsteps to join the Vietnam War. We get to watch as she is thrown into chaos and emerges as an amazing combat nurse. The sentiments about Vietnam were changing, though, and home is no longer a welcoming place.

Hannah has done it again - reaching into the reader and eliciting such emotion. I devoured this book in under a day and ugly cried. It was reminiscent of Home Before Morning by Lynda Van Devanter. The narration was perfection, and the story and Frankie’s love of nursing resonated with this nurse. Bravo.

"The Women" by Kristin Hannah

Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced copy of "The Women" by Kristin Hannah. This book is, without a doubt, the standout novel I've encountered this year.

Kristin Hannah's "The Women" is a compelling narrative centered on the life of Francis, a Vietnam combat nurse. The story commences with an exploration of Francis's naive and protected childhood, transitioning into a poignant coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of a field hospital in Vietnam. This setting forms the crucible for the story, where innocence meets the harsh realities of war.

The emotional depth of this novel is profound. Francis, as the protagonist, is crafted with a relatability that resonates deeply. Hannah's skill in character development shines as each individual in the narrative is presented with an intricate blend of flaws and growth. The authenticity in their portrayal makes the reader feel a part of their journey, experiencing their trials and transformations.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Women" is its emotional resonance. There were moments in the story that moved me to tears, and others that left me speechless with their intensity. The narrative doesn't shy away from the emotional toll of war, particularly on women whose service was often unrecognized and whose struggles were dismissed.

The novel tackles the harsh reality faced by these women veterans. Their heroism was often overshadowed by a narrative that excluded them, encapsulated in the dismissive phrase "There were no women in Vietnam." Hannah delves into the emotional aftermath of war for these women, highlighting how their experiences and contributions were disparaged.

However, "The Women" is ultimately an uplifting tale. It chronicles Francis's journey from shame to empowerment. She becomes a powerful voice and caregiver, not just for herself but for her fellow combat nurse sisters. Her transformation is a testament to resilience and the strength that can be forged in adversity.

In conclusion, Kristin Hannah's "The Women" is a remarkable story of growth, resilience, and the unrecognized heroism of women in war. It's a narrative that stays with you long after the last page, compelling in its emotional depth and the strength of its characters. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in powerful, character-driven storytelling.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. Getting to listen to Kristin Hannah’s book prior to release was a “pinch me” moment. This book is told from the perspective of a nurse who chose to serve her country in Vietnam. As the book follows her story, it unravels the heartbreaking stories of being a nurse in a war zone and the political war going on at home. She also is managing life after war and the troubles she faces finding her way back in to society. This book was everything I wanted from a historical fiction and about the women of Vietnam war. I absolutely love Julia Whalen so having her be the narrator of this book was cherry on top.

I love any book that Whelan narrates. Her voice is special and one that you will know just from the start of the book. I enjoyed this story very much and Whelan did a great job reading it to the listeners. I felt the intensity in her voice at the times where there was angst in the story. 4.5 stars

4.5⭐️Kristin Hannah’s upcoming release is a story dedicated to the American women who served overseas during the Vietnam War. It follows Frankie McGrath, a combat nurse, during the two terms she was stationed as well as the years following her return.

Kristin Hannah 100% succeeded in her goal of sharing heroic stories about women that have been too often forgotten or overlooked. I learned a lot while reading and was impressed by how Hannah did not shy away from any difficult subject matter, making the story feel more realistic than true fiction. She did a great job exposing the atrocities during the war as well as the struggles/ PTSD women faced when they returned home. I truly felt for Frankie and admired her bravery and resiliency. The cast of secondary characters added a lot of depth to the story and helped paint the full picture. I particularly loved fellow nurses Barb and Ethel, who stuck by Frankie’s side through everything.

If you are an audiobook fan, Julia Whalen transformed my experience !

Read if you like:
-Historical fiction
-Emotional reads
-Coming of age
-Learning about women’s involvement during Vietnam War
-Themes of family, friendship, loss and forgiveness

Kristin Hannah is back with another historical fiction that educates as much as it emotionally devastates. Frankie’s story is a heartbreaking one that I was completely unable to walk away from. “The Women” tells the story of an army nurse in Vietnam and her life as it fell apart and came back together when she returned home. Narrated by Julia Whelan - one of the best IMO - the audiobook flew by. Only after did I learn the book is 700+ pages!

5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance copy.

The Women by Kristin Hannah: I will admit it; I wasn't sure what to expect. I love some of earlier books, but have had a hard time with the last couple. I was unsure how I'd feel about this one, especially as it was such a sensitive subject as the Vietnam War. Let me just tell you: I loved it. I didn't want it to end. I was captivated from the start. It was completely well-done and it touched on all the hard subjects while still being very real and very human. A definite five stars. You won't want to miss this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher and the audiobook publisher.

Audio review:
Julia Whelan is the queen of audiobooks and I quite literally squealed with delight when I saw she was narrating this one. As usual, flawless job. I always know I’m in for a treat when I see her lister. And her voice combined with KH’s words? Fabulous. Whelan perfectly captures every intended emotion in this book, had distinct voices for each character, and made it easy to follow along. I tandem read this with a kindle copy and Whelan really kept my attention. I listened/read to this in two sittings. Whelan can do no wrong and was the perfect narrator choice for this book.

Book Review:
To know Kristin Hannah is to truly know pain. And man, she really brought the pain in this one. Approximately 100 times I thought ‘this girl just cannot catch a break.’ Every time you think Frankie finally hit rock bottom, KH would pull another sorrowful trick out of her sleeve. Completely heartbreaking read.

This book gave me a lot of complicated feelings. Sadness, anger, frustration, and not nearly enough happiness. Obviously a book centered around war and PTSD is obviously going to be sad, but I really wish we got to see Frankie experience more than just brief bouts of happiness. With that said, the sadness made for a very powerful read. Such an important time in history and I love that KH gave the women and their role in the Vietnam War a voice.

Another aspect I loved was the strong female friendships. Frankie truly built a great support system and the lengths they went to come through for each was so nice to read. And what’s a book about women, without the men. Damn did the men suck in this book!

Overall, I don’t think the writing is as strong as some of her other works but this was a great read and will be sure to delight KH fans and lovers of historical fiction. She truly transports you to the time and I think this is a book I’d read again. Highly recommend!

Audio: 5 stars
Book: 4.5 stars

Wow. Wow. Wow. This book is just incredible, in so many ways. As a female Veteran and Army spouse, I was so impressed with the authors research and respect for the military, and I learned a lot about the Army nurses who served in Vietnam. I LOVED this story. It was intense and heartbreaking and amazing and hopeful. Frankie will stick with me for a long time.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced audiobook of this novel. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced audiobook copy of “The Women” in exchange for my review.

Once again, Kristin Hannah proves she’s the queen of historical fiction. I really enjoyed how authentic the characters felt, and you can tell the author took her time researching to really get it right.

Is the main character flawed? Absolutely. There were parts in the second half that irked me, but I also think they contributed to Frankie’s character arc. I think shining a light on this part of history is necessary, and I was enthralled (as someone with no knowledge of Vietnam). Hannah handled tough subjects well, and I liked that the mental health aspect of war is prevalent throughout.

Overall, I really liked it. Was this my favorite Kristin Hannah? No, but she’s got a lot of phenomenal books in her repertoire to compete with. If you are a historical fiction and/or Kristin Hannah fan, it’s definitely worth your time.

Also, Julia Whelan can do no wrong.

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t get enough. The writing and narration are flawless. I have nothing but praise for this book. Perfection in every way. I knew nothing of Vietnam, and was shockingly very interested.

Thank you @stmartinspress for an ebook and also to @macmillan.audio for the audiobook! I absolutely recommend the audio narrated by the most amazing @justjuliawhelan
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It’s books like these that remind me how lucky and privileged I am to be a bookstagrammer reading an early copy. As an immigrant to the USA, I have very rudimentary knowledge of the Vietnam war and this book was so educational, shocking and baffling about how the women contributed to saving soldiers’ lives and yet were completely ignored and even mistreated by their countrymen upon their return. My husband, a born and raised American, was also not privy to some of the content in this book.

Kudos to the author for accurately portraying the suffering from PTSD, a mental health condition that was not officially a diagnosis until much later. So when the women experienced PTSD, nobody was able to help professionally or even understand their condition. Without disclosing too much, I also enjoyed how the MC, Frankie, defied all types of resistance against women of her era and came out stronger in the end.

Finally, I also want to add how so many aspects of the war such as the government not providing accurate details of the war, is still applicable to this day which also makes the book utterly frightening to read…that so much remains unchanged from the sixties.

I absolutely cannot wait for people to read this book and give their inputs! Five glowing stars from me!