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

War, Love, Family, Friendship—A Story Well Told The Women, by Kristin Hannah focuses on Frankie McGrath, an idealistic, but naïve, young (21 years old when we meet her) nurse who decides to enlist in the US Army so that she can serve as a nurse in Vietnam at the height of the Vietnam war. She has absolutely no idea what she’s getting into and her basic training doesn’t come close to preparing her for what she is about to encounter. Her time in Vietnam is harrowing. Hannah gives us a deep dive into the geography, climate, wartime conditions, abject fear, and gut-wrenching conditions of the hospitals. Let’s just say, it is all awful. At the same time, she makes friends with nurses and others with whom she forms close bonds. In addition and not surprisingly, several men focus intently on her and her relationships with them are as life altering as her time in Vietnam. She was as prepared to deal with the men as she was prepared to deal with the war. Upon her return to the US, she is surprised at the hostility shown toward her and other Vietnam veterans. Also, she is greatly surprised at the utter indifference of her family and high school and country club friends to her time in Vietnam. She suffers tremendously from PTSD. I won’t go into the details, but she hits rock bottom, more than once. I don’t say this lightly, this is an excellent piece of historical fiction. Hannah compels you to turn the page and the emotional wreckage, and twists and turns are plentiful and believable. I’ve read other war fiction and non-fiction (and written some) but Hannah‘s fictional accounts of the field hospitals are informative, stomach-churning and believable. Hannah has a particular sensitivity toward Frankie and the changes wrought upon her as a result of her experiences. So many things occur in this book, it would be unfair for me to describe them as that would give away the plentiful and great plot twists. Everything about Frankie’s life is turned on its head and all we want to do is root for her. This book is an excellent war story, coming-of-age story, romance, daughter-parents tale, buddy story, and character and plot driven novel. I loved it. Highly recommended.

For anyone who lived through the Vietnam era, for women who want inspiration, and for those of us who love a great story, this is the book for you. I have not read a lot of Kristin Hannah, but if this is an example of her work, I have become a huge fan. This was a book that I found very hard to put down. It was a riveting account of the struggles, life, loves, and agony that is war. I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude to the author for taking on this book. It was awe-inspiring. Thank you

Kristin Hannah is back, baby!!! In a world where The Nightingale is numero uno I am here to tell you The Women gives it a run for its money! What an emotional rollercoaster ride! In true Hannah fashion, she rips your heart apart and mends it back together but with this one she did it to me several times. In a span of two pages, mine was pieced together just to be shattered again. But the ending. Oh my goodness. That ending. 🥺❤️ Historical fiction has always been a favorite of mine, but the last year or so I haven't really focused on it. I knew when I saw this book releasing I was going to read it and with the high praise I saw right off the bat even before its release, I had a feeling I, too, was going to love it. But I also was hesitant, because Historical Fiction hasn't been my go to lately. It can seem daunting to me at times. They are usually based on true stories and real people, so you know it is going to be an emotional ride. You just don't know if you are ready to embark on that journey or not. If you know what I am talking about or have felt similar, I am here to tell you, do not let that hold you back on reading this book! This book has the emotions of a romance novel, the edge of your seat tension like a thriller, and it is an absolutely must read for everyone! Please don't let this one pass you by. Even if historical fiction is not your normal go to genre, I promise this one is worth it! Hannah's writing is something magical. You are immediately hooked and transported to this world she has created on page one. In our world of reading books, there are good writers, there are bad writers, and then there are phenomenal writers. And Kristin Hannah, my friends, is a phenomenal writer!! When you read her books, you are seeing the words play out inside your head so easily, you feel like you are watching a movie. She is cinematic and that is how I know this book is going to translate so well to screen. How can it not with the foundation she has provided them?? (Yes, Warner Bros. has picked this up for a film! 🙌) So many HF novels focus on WWII. I love those books just as much as the next person, but it is so refreshing to get a different time period, especially from a queen like Hannah. I know nothing of the Vietnam War. I do remember seeing footage of how some people reacted and their opinions of the war, but not to the depths this book takes you on. Or how women were treated that were veterans in this war. That was eye-opening and heart wrenching, but sadly not surprising. Yes, this felt personally for me. As a nurse and a former ICU nurse, I love when we get a protagonist that is also in my field. But this book gutted me and made it feel like Hannah personally dug deep into my soul and stirred up feelings I had buried down deep with this one. I was wrecked. Like sitting in a Mexican restaurant with people all around with tears streaming down my face wrecked while reading this book. I can't tell you the last time a book emotionally wrecked me like this one did. Now I am not saying everyone will have that visceral reaction. In fact most probably won't, but I am just telling you that is the response this book got from me. 😅 As usual, I went in blind not knowing what this book was about. I saw high praise and great feedback so I was excited, but like I said earlier I wasn't expecting this response from reading it. If you'd like to know a short synopsis of the book, it centers around a combat nurse, Frankie, who as recently graduated from nursing school, and despite her parents' protests and disappointment she has joined the Army to assist as a combat nurse in the Vietnam War. You watch Frankie transform from a naive, young girl who is in way over her head into a straight rockstar and that is something I think everyone in our field can relate to despite all of us not being in a similar predicament she is in. It is divided into two parts. Frankie's experience during the war and when she comes home. That was another unique take that I appreciated from the author. So many books stay in the combat part of war. Rarely have I read one where you go with the protagonist when they come back home and deal with the "After" part. There are some triggers, so if you want to know more about those feel free to reach out! I've never read a book centered around the Vietnam War, so I am extremely grateful Hannah chose this time period to write this amazing novel. And if you haven't gathered it already, I highly recommend this book for everyone. You are simply doing yourself a disservice if you skip over it. Period. **Also fun fact and as if i couldn't love this book anymore, my name made an appearance in the book. Granted it was spelled different (Celine), but it was still a pleasant surprise. ☺️