Member Reviews

This book changed my life - not an understatement.

The way that Kirstin Hannah portrays women is hearbreaking and everyone needs to read this.

Was this review helpful?

This book was my book of 2024, I'm still struggling to put my thoughts and feelings into words.

Hannah has this way of taking you back in time, but not just in mind but in body too, like you can feel the wind in your hair and smell the air. 'Women can be heroes'? Ummm... I think we know they are heroes! Just read the acknowledgements and read up on source material from all of Hannah's books. They existed before you and I were born and long may they live on and keep it coming!

I balled my way through this much needed coming of age truth of just what it was like on front lines, friendships cemented for life, love, lust and loss.

I could read Frankie's story again and again, but my heart couldn't take that. This book spoke to my soul. if you haven't read it yet, please pick it up.

Was this review helpful?

I love Kristin Hannah’s books and this was no exception! I learnt a lot about the time period and the characters will stay with me for a long time.

Was this review helpful?

This book is a stunning exploration of war, loss, love, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that transcend the horrors of history. This powerful novel will take readers on a deeply emotional journey, capturing the heroism of ordinary women who, faced with the devastations of war, find their strength in each other.

At the heart of The Women is Frances "Frankie" McGrath, a young nursing student who, in 1965, makes a decision that will change her life forever. Raised in the sheltered confines of California's Coronado Island, Frankie is a dutiful daughter, a good girl who follows the rules. But when her brother is sent to fight in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps, eager to make her own mark on the world and help in the war effort.

What Frankie finds in Vietnam is far from the idealism she expected. As a green, inexperienced nurse, she is thrown into the chaos and brutality of war. Amidst the overwhelming carnage, she also faces the trauma of returning home to a country forever changed by the conflict. But it is in the most unlikely of places—through her deepening friendships with other women—that Frankie discovers her true strength and the lasting power of female camaraderie.

Hannah’s writing in The Women is at once immersive and heart-wrenching, offering readers a visceral sense of what it was like to be a woman during this turbulent time. The friendships formed between the women are not just a lifeline through the brutality of war but a reflection of the resilience and solidarity women often find in one another. Through Frankie’s eyes, we witness not only the physical scars of war but the emotional wounds that linger long after the battles have ended.

What makes The Women so unforgettable is how deeply it connects the personal and the political. The novel is more than a story about the Vietnam War; it is a meditation on love, sacrifice, and the often-overlooked contributions of women in times of crisis. As the women navigate their own personal losses and heartaches, they find power in each other’s presence. The Women is a poignant reminder that while war may reshape the world, it is human connection that allows us to endure.

This book is a masterpiece that stuns with its emotional depth. It will make you cry, laugh, and ultimately leave you with a sense of profound gratitude for the friendships that define us. If you are looking for a novel that combines historical resonance with powerful, unforgettable characters, The Women is not to be missed. It is a triumph of storytelling, as compelling as it is heartbreaking, and a testament to the indomitable strength of women.

Was this review helpful?

Kristin Hannah's The Women didn't meet my expectations, as it felt more soapy than realistic in its portrayal of the story. While the novel had good potential, the characters lacked the depth needed to create truly impactful drama. Instead of feeling emotionally invested, I found the narrative to be superficial, with the characters' motivations and growth not explored deeply enough to carry the weight of the themes it was trying to address.

Was this review helpful?

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I thought the characters had good complexity to their storylines and didnt want to put the book down. It was emotional, engaging, historical, and as a nurse myself, enjoyed the connection. Have recommended to my friends.

Was this review helpful?

Totally blew me away. Ambitious and unflinching, it opened up a time in history I knew very little about. Kristin Hannah just gets better. It’s not an easy read, but it was completely absorbing. Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

3.5

I've read and loved previous works by this author, however this one didn't meet my expectations. But I'll start with the positives.

I found the storyline interesting and it kept me engaged. I finished it in two sittings and genuinely enjoyed the listen.
The subject matter was well researched and shed light onto the forgotten women that served in Vietnam, and the struggles that they faced.
The atmosphere was well done, making the book feel immersive. Which is something I've come to expect of Kristin Hannah's writing.

However, where it fell a little flat for me was that it at times felt really predictable. There was too much foreshadowing.
Also, and from this point on there will be some Spoilers, so don't read more if you don't want to have the book spoiled...

I didn't like the romanced plot or I should say plots.
Especially the jump from Jamie to Ry felt really fast, and none of the relationships felt like they had any depth to them. It never felt like she got to know them very much at all, before she was struggling with her feelings for a man she knows she shouldn't fall for.
However, the thing that I disliked the most was the ending.

Overall this was a very fast paced book, with a lot of positives too it. But certain aspects fell flat for me. But I will definitely still pick up books by Kristin Hannah in the future.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I’ve read by Kristin Hannah. It was a great read . Set during the Vietnam war and it’s an emotional and gripping read .

Was this review helpful?

I'm actually slightly embarrassed to say that The Women was my first Kristin Hannah read and wow have I been missing out.

The Women was an incredible read and one of my favorite's of the year, it was moving, emotion filled and truly beautiful. I felt all the emotions while reading this and the writing was so amazing. I'm now off to read all of Kristin's others books.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of his book via netglley. I have read several of this author's works and generally find them a good read. This book starts off at pace in developing a narrative about a war that raised as much Conflict in the country fighting it as in the arena of war itself. The idea of crafting the storyline around a small, often forgotten flank of female nurses was i thought unusual.. The initial unfolding of events in Vietnam, the development of the female characters both in their work and recreation was i thought generally well done.

The book itself is edging towards the lengthy side and at times lt had a certain amount of predictability to it - I felt I could see where it was going well before the next events in the book were unfolded.

I loved the characterisation of Frankie, Ethel and Barb and I do feel the author truly captured the enormity of what they faced in Vietnam. I don't know whether I truly didn't like the way it developed in the aftermath or whether I just wished that things could have been different

Was this review helpful?

The Women tells a story about the Vietnam War, but from the perspective of the women who diligently served but were forgotten for too many years.

Our protagonist is Frankie, and what a character she is. Coming from a privileged American family, she is expected to be demure and to expect little more than marriage and motherhood. But as Frankie sees her beloved brother off to war, she makes a bold decision. Against her parents wishes she signs up and as she starts her first shift as a nurse in Vietnam, she realises just how sheltered a life she had led.

She becomes a hero and finds her purpose. But life and loss take their toll. She falls in love and experiences overwhelming grief.

This book doesn't pull any punches when recounting the horror of war and it was most certainly a difficult read.

Upon returning to the U.S. life becomes perhaps even more difficult for Frankie, and so many others returning from a war that was opposed by so many. Women weren't acknowledged and certainly offered no help.

Alongside the story of war, there is love and grief and healing. This is an epic story that enthralls from the beginning and thankfully leaves the reader with a glimpse of hope which was a welcome conclusion to a book that by necessity has darkness running throughout.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Powerful, mesmerizing, educational - just read it. Capturing the unappreciated part women played in the Vietnam war. Naive Frankie joins the war effort to make her family proud. Instead she begins a complex journey of self-discovery, while dealing with the post trauma of war and falling deeply in love. Too many facets to even describe, this book rolls effortless from one thought-provoking theme to another in an epic journey. As always, beautifully written, captivating characters, and an attention to details that puts you in the scene itself. Love this writer!

Was this review helpful?

"The Women" by Kristin Hannah is a powerful and poignant novel that beautifully captures the strength, resilience, and spirit of women. Hannah's storytelling is masterful, drawing readers into a vivid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by her characters. The novel's exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds between women is both inspiring and deeply moving. With richly developed characters and a compelling narrative, Hannah delivers a story that stays with you long after the last page. "The Women" is a testament to the courage and determination that define the human spirit, making it a must-read.

Was this review helpful?

What a stunning read! Emotional, powerful, impactful, beautiful and tragic. This is one to really immerse yourself in, lose yourself to the journey and prepare to weep!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. It was everything I expected and more. I love Kristin Hannah and all books I've read so far. 5 stars from me

Was this review helpful?

We are taken to the smell, feel, sound of the Vietnam War. It all feels very real and vivid. We hear about Frankie in Vietnam, and then returning to America afterwards.

The author has written authoritatively and cleverly, I would recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Kristin Hannah does it again! The Women is another fantastic, compelling, emotional read.

First and foremost, Frankie is such a well-developed main character. Kristin Hannah is known for creating honest, tough and resilient heroines and Frankie is no different. She definitely had her flaws but I felt her naivety and questionable choices made her feel more authentic. I really admired her journey from sheltered rich girl to tenacious and courageous hero.

While Frankie is definitely the central character, the supporting cast is strong too. Barb and Ethel, her friends and fellow nurses, were fantastic. I would have loved to delve deeper into their backstories but I appreciate this was Frankie's story.

The Women beautifully captures the setting of the Vietnam War. Kristin Hannah's vivid descriptions had me feeling like I was right there with Frankie – the roar of helicopters, the oppressive heat, the dampness of the jungle all felt so real.

The story unfolds in two parts. The first half is filled with the drama and intensity of war, while the second half deals with the frustration Frankie faces upon returning home. She struggles with a changed America, deep political divides, and a society that simply doesn't understand the trauma she's experienced.

The pacing of the book was really well done. I found myself flying through it, equally engrossed in both halves of the story. The drama and intensity of the first half had me on the edge of my seat, while the frustration of the second half as nobody would listen to Frankie kept me turning pages.

Kristin Hannah mentions in the author's note that she waited to write this book until she felt she could do it justice. She certainly delivered! The level of research that went into this book, not just about the Vietnam War but also about PTSD, was evident on every page.

The book isn't absolutely perfect. There were moments when I felt like there was too much emphasis on Frankie's outfits, and I would have loved to explore the backstories of other characters like Barb and Ethel in more depth.

Additionally, while Frankie's perspective was undeniably compelling, I couldn't help but wonder what the story would have been like from other viewpoints. However, these are minor quibbles and I'd still rate The Women as one of the best books I've read in a while.

Was this review helpful?

Frankie has lived a sheltered life and lives by the rules. As a young naive and idealistic woman she becomes a nurse and volunteers to serve in Vietnam to try and make a difference. What she discovers there will change her forever. The horrors of war bring about the truest of friendships, whilst she finds her skills as a nurse really do help so many people. When she comes home she finds the opposite of a heroes welcome, and even the Veterans won't acknowledge her service. There were no women in Vietnam is another lie that everyone believes. This story highlights the challenges of the women who did serve, both in Vietnam and when they did return home. Written with honesty, passion and no holds barred, this is so engrossing that it will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Was this review helpful?

This is a story that had to be told. And in what better hands than those of Kristin Hannah, whose meticulous research, attention to detail and luminous evocation of time and place combine here to deliver an enlightening and unforgettable read.

I’ve read several works of fiction and watched numerous films set in the time of the Vietnam War, but not once have I come across the story of the courageous women nurses, who served alongside men in the very heat of battle, and who returned to their homes in the United States to be discover that there were no Veteran services available to them because “no women served in Vietnam.”

Hannah exposes this travesty through the story of Frankie, a young woman more used to Californian country clubs and cocktail parties than the cauldron of war. But she’s a patriot and an idealist. She’s also a trainee nurse. So, when the call comes for volunteers to join the Army Nurses Corps, Frankie, inspired by her serving brother, signs up.

What follows is an extraordinary tale of bravery, commitment and sisterhood, told against the chaos and destruction that was Vietnam of 1965.

It’s a potent, riveting read. But where it hits hardest is in the aftermath. When Frankie and her fellow nurses return Stateside to have their duty and sacrifice not just ignored but erased from record, leaving them to deal alone with their debilitating PTSD and its impact on their future health and happiness.

There can be no denying that this is a shameful stain on America’s history. It has since been rectified, but I’m grateful to Hannah for bringing it out into the light. Frankie’s story, representative as it is of hundreds of others, is one I’ll never forget.

Was this review helpful?