The Women by Kristin Hannah was published in February 2024. I’d been so excited for this one. I love historical fiction and I’m a huge fan of Kristin Hannah’s books. They take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster and I always feel so invested in the characters’ journeys.
I’ve read a lot of books about WW2 so it was nice to discover a book about a different war. I’ve never previously read anything about the Vietnam War and I was intrigued about the premise to The Women.
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Plot
When twenty-year-old nursing student Frankie McGrath first hears the words “women can be heroes, too” it sparks a revelation within her. Raised in the sheltered confines of Coronado Island, she’s always been the epitome of a good girl.
But in 1965, as her brother heads off to Vietnam, Frankie feels the pull of a different path. Joining the Army Nurses Corps, she ventures into the chaos of war, confronting its devastation and the challenges of a changing America upon her return. Along the way, she learns the true value of female friendship and the complexities of love.
The Women Book Review
Kristin Hannah does it again! The Women is another fantastic, compelling, emotional read.
First and foremost, Frankie is such a well-developed main character. Kristin Hannah is known for creating honest, tough and resilient heroines and Frankie is no different. She definitely had her flaws but I felt her naivety and questionable choices made her feel more authentic. I really admired her journey from sheltered rich girl to tenacious and courageous hero.
While Frankie is definitely the central character, the supporting cast is strong too. Barb and Ethel, her friends and fellow nurses, were fantastic. I would have loved to delve deeper into their backstories but I appreciate this was Frankie’s story.
The Women beautifully captures the setting of the Vietnam War. Kristin Hannah’s vivid descriptions had me feeling like I was right there with Frankie – the roar of helicopters, the oppressive heat, the dampness of the jungle all felt so real.
The story unfolds in two parts. The first half is filled with the drama and intensity of war, while the second half deals with the frustration Frankie faces upon returning home. She struggles with a changed America, deep political divides, and a society that simply doesn’t understand the trauma she’s experienced.
The pacing of the book was really well done. I found myself flying through it, equally engrossed in both halves of the story. The drama and intensity of the first half had me on the edge of my seat, while the frustration of the second half as nobody would listen to Frankie kept me turning pages.
Kristin Hannah mentions in the author’s note that she waited to write this book until she felt she could do it justice. She certainly delivered! The level of research that went into this book, not just about the Vietnam War but also about PTSD, was evident on every page.
The book isn’t absolutely perfect. There were moments when I felt like there was too much emphasis on Frankie’s outfits, and I would have loved to explore the backstories of other characters like Barb and Ethel in more depth.
Additionally, while Frankie’s perspective was undeniably compelling, I couldn’t help but wonder what the story would have been like from other viewpoints. However, these are minor quibbles and I’d still rate The Women as one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
Summary
Overall, I loved The Women. It’s a powerful story that shines a light on the underappreciated women who served in the Vietnam War. It’s a story of resilience, friendship, and the invisible wounds of war. Kristin Hannah has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
What should I read after The Women by Kristin Hannah?
If you enjoyed reading The Women, I’d definitely suggest reading more books by Kristin Hannah. My recommendations are The Nightingale and The Four Winds.
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