The Women: The Instant Number One Bestseller from the author of The Nightingale Paperback – 13 Feb. 2025

Kristen Hannah is such an accomplished and engaging writer. Having just read The Women, I am almost reluctant to start a new book as I can't imagine it will live up to this novel.The first 40% is based on Frankie's experience in Vietnam. After a while, I did find this part of the book slightly repetitive, with graphic descriptions of injured servicemen. I started to wonder where the story was heading and if it would continue to capture me. But then Frankie returns home.This is where the pace of the book really picks up and we are immersed into Frankie's PTSD and the spiraling of her life. It is here when I appreciated the first part of the book, the trudgery, the monotony, the sheer horror, day in day out.Depictions of the Vietnam War, both in Vietnam and also from perceptions back home in the US were so shocking. Frankie's trauma and the effect of PTSD were heartwrenching. I thought all the characters were well drawn out and believable.Ultimately, this book was so absorbing. Historical fiction at its best. Frankie's story is one that will stay with me forever and confirms how we should all live with kindness and compassion.

Such a powerful telling of the horrors of the Vietnam War. Ms Hannah is to be highly commended on bringing the truth of war to people's attention. For years I've been recommending The Nightingale as a must read about WW2, one of the best books I've read. Now The Women is firmly on my list of unforgettable books. Brilliant book, highly recommended.

This book was a blend of historical fiction and domestic drama. It focused on the Vietnam War, which lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975.The protagonist, Frankie, came from a wealthy family. She also had an older brother named Finley. Their family had a wall dedicated to their heroes in their home. When the news broke about the Vietnam War, Finley immediately enlisted.Frankie, feeling uneasy about her future as a woman, believes that her work life will end once she meets a man. It is what is expected. This prospect doesn’t sit well with her, so she decides to train as a nurse. However, her growing frustration leads her to make a bold decision: to sign up as a nurse in Vietnam. Despite her parents’ disapproval, Frankie remains resolute in her choice.Frankie’s upbringing means she is sheltered to a certain extent and naive. However, she upholds principles when it comes to men who refuse to get involved with men who are already in relationships.Well, she arrives in Vietnam, and it’s a stark contrast to her usual surroundings. What she sees is horrific. But the worst is yet to come. She’s taken under the wing of Ethel, Barb, and Patty, highly skilled nurses who help her every step of the way. They become her friends.The real shame is when Frankie returns home from Vietnam. She discovers that people are far from welcoming and hostile. The country was unaware of the horrors that were unfolding. Her parents even fabricated an excuse for her whereabouts. All of this infuriates Frankie because she finds no one who is proud of her service.We then witness Frankie spiralling downward as she grapples with her nightmares of the atrocities she witnessed in Vietnam. Upon their return, the men were welcomed, but there was no support or acknowledgment of the women who had served in Vietnam.Frankie makes impulsive decisions that nearly lead to her self-destruction. Her PTSD was barely acknowledged, which exacerbated her struggles.I will stop here as there is so much more to tell. I will say it was a hard read at times and very emotional but I am glad I finally got around to reading it. It is also worth reading the author’s note at the end.This quote from the book stood out for meFrankie ‘joined the Army to find her brother and found herself instead’

This book is a masterpiece and a masterclass in taking you on a roller coaster of emotions. It stays in your head months after you have read it and makes you look at army personal, and what they went through, in a whole new light. I was also surprised to read of their treatment when they returned to America, which was heartbreaking. Unfortunately I did a stupid thing and lent this book out 6 weeks ago, and have yet to have it returned. I am itching to re-read it as It is so good and if I don't get it back soon I will buy another copy.

This was my first Kristin Hannah novel and it 100% lives up to all the hype and rave reviews. I was blown away by Frankie’s story, lived her life with her and was moved to tears frequently.When her brother Fin volunteers to serve in Vietnam, Frances McGrath joins the Army Nurse Corps swapping her sheltered, conservative upbringing in California for the operating rooms of evacuation hospitals at the heart of combat with only the most basic training under her belt. During her two tours of duty Frankie witnesses the realities of war. Horrific head wounds, gaping chest wounds, lost limbs, napalm burns. Forever female friendships and first love. Rats, the Officer’s Club, sleep deprivation, latrines and loss. Back in America attitudes have changed. There are no heroes anymore and there were no women in Vietnam. This part of the book is just as moving, hard-hitting and thought-provoking covering addiction, PTSD, the treatment of veterans, personal trauma, rehabilitation and overwhelming feelings of shame and anger. This era in American history was a real eye-opener for me.From under-fire chopper rides to the tranquillity of Montana, from Washington protest marches to beautiful, sandy beaches. Frankie, Ethel and Babs. Simply the best.