The Women by Kristin Hannah

A Five-Star Book Review

It’s no surprise that I loved Kristin Hannah’s latest novel. Her historical fiction rarely disappoints, but The Women hit differently. While the emotional pull drew me in, the commentary about the sacrifices and courage of these often-forgotten heroes of the Vietnam War kept me reading.

Summary of The Women

In The Women, Kristin Hannah tells the powerful story of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman raised on idyllic Coronado Island and sheltered by her conservative parents. Despite having always been the good girl, Frankie decides to follow a different path in the rapidly changing world of 1965 when her brother ships out to Vietnam, impulsively joining the Army Nurse Corps.

The Women not only chronicles Frankie’s journey but also shines a light on all the women who risked their lives to serve their country during the Vietnam War. It doesn’t stop there, as Ms. Hannah gives an unflinching look at the response Vietnam veterans, male and female, received upon returning to the U.S.

What I Loved About The Women

As always, I loved Ms. Hannah’s characters, the authenticity of their experiences, and the emotional pull of her books.

• Authenticity: The novel gives a real voice to the women involved in the Vietnam War, highlighting their bravery and resilience in country and then when they return to the U.S., where their experiences are dismissed. Frankie’s journey to making peace with herself and others is the best part of the novel.
• Characters: Frankie’s journey, filled with both good and bad decisions, makes her character growth powerful and relatable.
• Emotional Pull: Kristin Hannah, known for her emotional storytelling, masterfully pulls at the heartstrings, making this a deeply moving read.

My Final Thoughts About The Women

The Women is an emotional and richly drawn story that pays tribute to the extraordinary courage of a generation of women. It’s a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in the untold stories of the Vietnam War.