The Women

“Thank God for girlfriends. In this crazy, chaotic, divided world that was run by men, you could count on the women.”

Kristin Hannah’s historical novel, “The Women,” is an emotional rollercoaster that plunges readers into the harrowing realities of the Vietnam War. Through the eyes of Frankie, a nurse who faces graphic and gruesome scenes on the battlefield, we see not only the horrors of war but also the challenges of returning home to a society that refuses to acknowledge women’s service in Vietnam.

Here are the key elements that make this book a must-read:

Frankie’s Struggles: Frankie battles not only the physical trauma of war but also the emotional toll it takes. Her parents’ disregard and disrespect compounded her pain, making her journey back to the USA even more challenging.

Heartbreak and Addiction: The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying major heartbreak and the impact of addiction. Frankie’s resilience shines through as she grapples with these demons.

Lifelong Bonds: Ethel and Barb, fellow nurses in Vietnam, become Frankie’s lifelines. Their understanding of PTSD and unwavering friendship provide solace amidst chaos.

Masterful Storytelling: Hannah’s writing is realistic and raw. Complex characters face genuine struggles, making their survival and strength all the more compelling.

A Tribute to Unsung Heroes: “The Women” pays homage to the women who served in Vietnam, sharing their untold stories of courage and bravery.

Historical Context: The novel deftly weaves social and political affairs into the lives of these women. From the Civil Rights Movement to Watergate, it captures momentous historical events.

Gut-Wrenching but Hopeful: Prepare to be gutted by the emotional intensity, yet find hope in the resilience of sisterhood.

Soundtrack: Music plays an important part in the story, it creates a sense of place and mood. It becomes a character of its own. I was thrilled to find a number of playlists on Spotify featuring the songs mentioned in the book.

I read “Another Life”, one of this author’s earlier books, last year, and now I fully understand why a number of reviews stated that it was different from her more well-known, recent works. “The Women” is one of my favourite books of the year to date. “The Nightingale” and “The Great Alone,” are now firmly on my to-be-read list.

In summary, “The Women” deserves all the stars. It’s a beautifully tragic and mesmerising tribute to the women who served, leaving an undeniable mark on history.