The Women: A Novel

The Women by Kristin Hannah is a powerful and emotional novel about courage, sacrifice, and the often-overlooked role of women in history. The story follows Frankie McGrath, a young woman who leaves her comfortable life to serve as a nurse during the Vietnam War. At first, Frankie is unsure of herself, but the war changes her. Through her experiences, she becomes stronger, braver, and more confident. Kristin Hannah does a great job showing how difficult and dangerous the war was, especially for the women who worked as nurses under constant pressure and fear. One of the strongest parts of the book is how it shows what happens after the war. Frankie and other women return home expecting gratitude, but instead they face silence and misunderstanding. The novel highlights how women veterans were often ignored and how hard it was for them to heal and rebuild their lives. Kristin Hannah’s writing is clear, emotional, and easy to follow. She brings the characters to life and makes the reader feel their pain, love, and hope. The story is heartbreaking at times, but also inspiring. Overall, The Women is a meaningful and unforgettable book. It is a great choice for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, emotional stories, or books about strong women. It reminds us that women were there too—and that their stories deserve to be remembered.

Great story! Slow start, but I got into this quickly. Women in war, turned love story. A read I really enjoyed!

I have read several Kristen Hannah books in the past and have enjoyed them all. Yet, when friends in my social groups began to rave about Kristen's latest book, The Women, I hesitated to read it. I was afraid it would trigger anxiety and questions about my self-worth. I used to be an Army nurse, received my education through Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing, and am considered a Vietnam Era veteran as I joined the ANC in 1974. However, I never served "in-country" and often felt unworthy to be recognized as I did not have combat nursing experience. I am extremely grateful for the experience I received both as an Army student nurse and my 13 years of ANC nursing experience. Without the Army, I could never afford college and, therefore, would not have become a nurse. In Delano Hall, where our nursing classes were held, there is a room affectionately known as the "dead" room. On the walls were portraits of nurses "Killed in Action" or KIA. I use to stare at those pictures and both dred failing my classes as rumor had it you would be deployed to a war zone, at the same time I bemoaned the end of the war as I would never win the respect a combat nurse commanded. In my first assignment post graduation from nursing school, I used to wonder nightly if Maryland made a mistake granting me a license! I was sure it was obvious to everyone on my unit that I didn't have a clue as to how to do my job! Especially as I was put in charge of nursing supervision, my third night on duty! I was a nervous wreck until my third year of post-graduate nursing! I finally decided to read The Women during a Kindle Reading challenge. The challenge to read a 2024 Amazon Editor's Choice Best Novel of 2024 was made simpler as I already had The Women by Kristin Hannah in my library. I knew I was going to love this book when I read the statement made at Frankie's brother's going away party - "Women can be heroes, too." This matter of fact acknowledgment that women could be honored as much as men was the impetuous to Frankie volunteering to join the ANC. Frankie was gobsmacked by this easy acceptance of women's worth. Immediately, I remember the recruiter who introduced me to the WRAIN program that changed the trajectory of my life back in my freshman high school days in 1970. Until that time, I never dreamed I could receive a four year college education and get my nursing license. Women in my family never went away to college. It was just too expensive. I could relate to Frankie's astonishment that a male acquaintance would openly declare his belief in women's equality. I was smiling through my tears as I read that scene. Kristen's story was made even more intense and powerful as she vividly described Frankie's arrival in Veitnam during a red alert. Later, I was surprised to find the words blurring as I read about operating on the mud floor of a tent under the operating table while holding a flashlight in her mouth; as bombs exploded around her! The blurred vision was not a spot on my glasses but tears that were pouring from me in response to Kristen Hannah's moving word choice. Despite being an avid and fast reader who can usually finish one book a day, The Women was so emotionally intense I had to take frequent breaks, sometimes as long as 24 hours , before I was calm enough to read it the book again. Kristen perfectly portrayed the problems female veterans have getting adequate health care open return home. I began to scream in anger when Frankie was told that there were no women serving in Veitnam! The ignorance that women veterans were forced to deal with was appalling. However, I was pleased at how detailed and factual Kristen's account was of Frankie's encounters with VA. Kristen's research was impeccable. The characters in The Women were well-developed and relatable. The commonalities and differences between Frankie and her two besties, economically, beliefs, and even romances helped to keep the story moving. I especially loved the sisterhood that developed because of shared experiences of the war. The lifelong friendships I developed during my years in the ANC are some of my fondest memories. I am really glad I finally read this book. It brought back memories both good and bad of my time in service. It helped me to accurately voice some of my buried issues from that time, and I believe I am healthier since reading this magnificently written story! Thank you, Kristen. It was an intense journey, but I believe at least for myself, I came out better mentally and emotionally for having read The Women.

I’ve come to Kristen Hannah later than many readers, and I’m grateful I did. There’s a maturity in encountering her work now that makes her themes land with particular force. This novel follows what has become a familiar—and effective—formula for her: a story centered on women, grounded in history, and driven by deeply textured relationships. It’s a formula she excels at. What I love most about Hannah’s writing is the way her relationships feel lived-in. The friendships in this book carry the weight, complexity, and intimacy of real bonds—the kind you recognize instantly, whether or not you’ve had relationships exactly like them. The mother-daughter dynamic, in particular, rang with humanity and realism. Even if your own experience looks nothing like theirs, it’s a relationship you understand. I rooted for both women, and I wasn’t disappointed. As she often does, Hannah selects a historically significant moment and weaves life into it by blending documented events with a fictional cast. This is very much her genre, and she handles it with confidence and care. Centering the story on women who served as Army nurses in Vietnam—veterans in every meaningful sense—felt both necessary and overdue. The time period brushes up against multiple pivotal moments in American history, and the novel doesn’t shy away from the cultural, political, or emotional consequences of that era. One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it addresses PTSD in women in a way that feels real—almost tangible. The story’s structure, divided loosely into the before, the during, and the after, works especially well. The section covering her service in Vietnam is substantial, and rightly so. By the time it ends, you fully understand how two years can irrevocably alter the trajectory of an entire life. If I had a critique—and it’s a gentle one—it would be about the ending. There were several moments earlier where the novel could have ended beautifully, trusting the reader with ambiguity. I found myself wishing Hannah had allowed for a bit more restraint at the very end. The conclusion delivered what I hoped for emotionally, but I think it might have been even more powerful had it relied on implication rather than full explanation—perhaps even something as simple as the absence of a name. That kind of ambiguity could have given the characters room to breathe beyond the final page, allowing readers to imagine multiple futures instead of one definitive resolution. That said, this is very much a matter of taste. Overall, this was a thoughtful, important, and deeply engaging read—one of those books I’m genuinely glad I spent time with. It lingered with me, and that alone speaks to its power.

This was the most interesting book I have read in a long time. The women of the Vietnam war were treated so poorly and they gathered all their strength to come back from PTSD. Absolutely well written! Love it

I admit I'm not an emotional reader. It takes a lot me make me shed tears while reading, but the ending of this book was surprisinly emotional for me. I love reading historical novels, but I knew little about the Vietnam War and its outcomes to the soldiers and nurses who ventured in there in service. A really good book that like many other that I've been reading, show the forgotten role of women in wars that marked a whole generation.

Wow, me encantó. Lo leí rapidísimo. La historia de las mujeres en la guerra de Vietnam es super inspiradora y cruda. Este libro despierta muchas emociones.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Riveting Tribute to Courage and Sisterhood The Women by Kristin Hannah is an extraordinary novel that immerses readers in the untold stories of women who served in the Vietnam War. Through the eyes of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nurse from a privileged background, we witness her transformation as she leaves behind her sheltered life to serve in a war-torn country. The narrative delves deep into her experiences, capturing the chaos and camaraderie of the battlefield, as well as the profound challenges faced upon returning home. Hannah masterfully portrays the complexities of war, not just in combat but in the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those who serve. The bond between Frankie and her fellow nurses, Barb and Ethel, is heartwarming and authentic, showcasing the strength found in sisterhood amidst adversity. The novel also addresses the often-overlooked contributions of women in the military, shedding light on their sacrifices and the struggles they faced both during and after the war. The writing is evocative, drawing readers into the turbulent era with vivid descriptions and compelling characters. Hannah’s meticulous research and attention to detail bring authenticity to the story, making it both informative and deeply moving. The Women is a testament to resilience, friendship, and the enduring spirit of those who serve. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction that honors the unsung heroes of our past.

The cause driving Kristin's books is compelling and sadly still rife: the relegation of women's visibility and contribution to society to the back of our conscious world. Her stories are beautifully told. And I mean really beautifully told. An unusual and credible realism also underpins her prose. This is gender-free story-telling of the highest quality. Her characterisation is devoid of stereotyping, sensitive and totally believable. Amazing !!! And what i discovered about military nurses in the Vietnam war.... Also read her book on the French resistance, which had me crying. Kristin: Thank you. You are a genius ♥️. Tom (a youthful 70 year old !)

Powerful, sad, heartbreaking but heartwarming story of unsung heroines. A must read for anyone who lived through that terrible time as well as all people who need a history lesson about the toll the Vietnam war took on all Americans.