The Women: A Novel

Best book I've read in over a decade! WOW...what a spotlight on such a deficient aspect of what I knew about the Viet Nam war - I was in middle school and was still wearing a POW bracelet when the Viet Nam war was "officially over". My favorite uncle was a Captain in the Air Force, and I remember thinking of him as a hero - my stepfather was in Army Special Forces in Laos long before there was an "official presence" in that area. My point is before reading this book, I NEVER considered the women who served as nurses in the field hospitals. Kudos to Kristin Hannah for teaching all of us important truths that have been long overlooked, dismissed, or ignored.

‘gasp’ incredible. i have no words. empowering and moving to say the least.

4.5

War is a traumatic experience. Some individuals serve and receive recognition. Now, imagine being a woman who served. Not only are you not celebrated, but those around you—including your parents—deny that you went to the Vietnam War. Instead, they glorify your brother’s service, displaying his photo on their recognition wall. However, when speaking to neighbors and friends, they claim you merely vacationed in Europe.

Now, consider being a nurse who served in the war. You suffer from PTSD, yet officials deny you treatment because they believe “women didn’t go to war.” Ironically, women were essential as nurses, and encountering one likely saved lives. This book left a lasting impact on me, vividly portraying trauma and exploring themes of sexism, infidelity, attempted suicide, graphic violence, and miscarriage, that Francis "Frankie" McGrath experienced.

Fantastic historical novel of Vietnam war that I never knew. While main character was not as strong as other protagonists in her other books, Hannah articulated a phenomenal story and narrative that hit all the emotions for me. Excellent writing and wonderful book.