The Women: The Bestselling, Unforgettable Novel That Has Captured Millions of Hearts

This is another beautiful book by Kristin Hannah. The story follows Frankie McGrath; from her optimistic, voluntary enlistment as a nurse in the Vietnam War, through her harrowing experiences during the chaos of war, to her devastating return home and spiral to rock bottom. The characters are raw, the scenes dramatic yet real, and the storylines honest and thought provoking. The view of women in the Vietnam War is overlooked and forgotten, but Kristin Hannah shines a light on this important area with her eloquent story telling, vivid descriptions and accurate research. A book that will keep you turning the pages, and satisfyingly truly follows a character's development from beginning to end.

Loved, loved, loved this book. Beautifully written and an engaging story. Quite moving. I read a lot, it’s not a light book but not too heavy going.

This was my first Kristin Hannah novel and I can see why she’s so highly regarded. I don’t usually read historical fiction but after watching a few recent documentaries on the Vietnam War this book felt like the perfect next step. The Women follows Frankie McGrath, a young woman from a privileged background who defies expectations and signs up as an Army nurse in Vietnam. Her time there is brutal, transformative and deeply emotional. Hannah doesn't shy away from the harsh realities. Some scenes are quite graphic but that’s what makes it feel so raw and real. At times I found Frankie very frustrating but in a way that speaks to how well written her character is. She’s complex, layered and deeply affected by everything she experiences. Her friendships with the other women she met while serving in the war were a highlight for me, honest, supportive and heartbreaking. What stood out most was the focus on the forgotten women of Vietnam, the nurses, the medics—those who served and sacrificed, but were often erased from the story. I wasn’t aware this was the case. This novel gives them a voice. The Women is powerful, moving, and thought provoking. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something emotionally impactful and historically rich.

This is a brilliant story, compelling from start to finish. What a roller coaster of emotions. I didn't know much at all about the Vietnam War, but this book really highlights the treatment of women nurses and what they experienced during the Vietnam War, especially on their return to the US. What these women went through is heartrending. For me, this is Kristen Hannah's best book. Have also listened to the audible version alongside the book which is superb. One to read over and over.

"The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn't quite yet ready to hear it, and their story began with three simple words. - We were there" Enlightening, informative and a fitting tribute to the female service women and medical staff who served in Vietnam, but whose voice was never heard because ‘no women were there’. Kristin Hannah is an author who always demonstrates the immense healing power through storytelling, where voices are no longer silent, and in this book ‘The Women’, she has written a fabulous heartbreaking story and an eye opening account of events in Vietnam that conquers without coercion and agitates without exaggerating. The Plot - Many know something of the war in Vietnam, yet many like me knew little of the number of the women in service and the female medical staff who suffered, endured, and lived through that conflict. Frankie brings to life the role and treatment of women, who until later years were barely acknowledged despite the crucial role many played in the war. While the men were branded heroes, the country was dishonourably quiet about the role that their women played. Women who witnessed many of the same horrors, lost their lives, and endured injuries like many men but to American citizens – they weren’t even there. This very human story of Frankie took us on a journey through this distressing period in history, and takes us through the decision to sign up, how her family relationships became strained with the decision, and then the impact on her because of her parent’s lack of support, particularly her fathers. Add to that the loss of the three men in Frankie's life, her brother and her two loves and her re-integration back into society and 'normal' life and we have one of the most memorable historical fiction books I have ever read. Review and Comments - 'The Women' is an exquisite novel that will leave imprints on your heart and in your mind a long time after reading, not just about the brutality of war and loss on both sides, but the treatment and deafening silence about the role the women played. The book has an abundance of great characters, particularly Frankie who was portrayed as a very human person. An incredible woman, strong, determined, and courageous with an enormous capacity for love and forgiveness, but who for years suffered from the effects of war and because she ‘was not there’ never received the care and support needed to prevent PTSD. The storyline is superb, and the writing style is stunning. Historical fiction at its best as Kristin Hannah manages to hold a mirror up to society displaying themes of corruption, dishonour, loss, tragedy, PTSD, family relationships, and isolation as women and society struggled to contend and confront the very harsh reality of the story of ‘The Women’ in Vietnam. An awakening for many, then and now. An authentic account of an unforgotten and untold story. Sometimes brutal, sometimes beautiful. They were there.

This is a really moving read. I didn't know much about the Vietnam war and the reception veterans got when they returned. I really enjoyed the book, the pace, the story telling, and the legitimacy of the characters.

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.