I struggled with this one. This is an incredibly important story that needs to be told and shared but I found it way too long and felt I was constantly jerked back into a love story that ended traumatically.

There were some good twists that drew me back in, I switched to audio and I absolutely love Julia Whelan. Her voice is captivating and she does the different characters so well.

I’m not confident I would have finished this one if I didn’t have the audio version.

I’d recommend picking this one up, but I’d listen. It’s a long one with a few extra love affairs the book could have done without.

4.5 stars (@𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 #𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥) 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 by Kristin Hannah was the very first 2024 book I read. It was back in October when I was in a bit of a reading rut and was desperately in need of a book I KNEW would work. I was right to turn to this important story that very much needed to be told. The Vietnam War era is a shameful one in our nation’s history for many reasons, not the least of which is the treatment of its veterans when they came home from war.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 is a story of one such veteran, Army nurse Frankie McGrath. She goes to Vietnam idealistic, naive and probably not for the best of reasons. War opens her eyes to the horrors people can inflict on one another, while her skill and heart open to the men she fights to save. She found her calling there. She loved it and she hated it.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
“𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 “𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦” 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦.”⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
The second part of the book deals with home and what Frankie and so many other Veterans faced when they returned. Of course, this story is fiction, but it’s fiction clearly well researched, firmly anchored in history. As a kid and later a teen, I remember much of what filled the news screen every night. Years later, I witnessed our country’s collective shame, not only for things that happened during that war, but for the cruel disrespect too often faced by the men and women who served. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
I happened to be on a trip to Washington D.C. with my sister-in-law as I was finishing this book. We visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial while there. What poignant end caps for my reading experience with this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

*Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

I don't even think I have the words to adequately review this book. The Women is Kristin Hannah at her best. It's why I love historical fiction. I read it in less than 24 hours, and I honestly didn't want it to end.

I was excited to see that this book was set during the Vietnam War. So much of the HF I read is WW1/2, and I don't think I've read much, if anything, set during this time. Obviously I know about the war on a historical level, but to read an account (albeit, fictional, but still) brought it into a completely new light for me. The descriptions of Frankie's life in-country, both the social and military/medical aspects, fascinated me. The author dove deep into the main characters struggles not only during the war, but after as well, when PTSD was just becoming a recognized "thing". I didn't realize that so many people believed "there were no women in 'Nam" and I was furious for Frankie.

Speaking of furious, this book pulled out so many emotions as I was reading - more than any book has in a really long time.

Fan's of this author are going to love this book. Now, excuse me while I google more about the nurses in the war, and other books set during this period.

Easily the best book I've read yet this year. Kristin Hannah does not disappoint. She meticulously researched Vietnam and 1960/70s California to write this book, and it shows. It's truly a book that will educate you and break your heart.

My only complaint is that no one in 1968 was naming their children Kaylee and Braden. That took away from an otherwise well researched and executed book.

Wow! This book was sensational. I loved Frankie and the girls. Frankie was such a well developed and written character. I felt so much while I read this book. This book was a story that needed to be told and Kristin Hannah did a beautiful job. I think this is her best book yet!

I have loved so many books by Kristin Hannah, I was super excited to read this one!

I actually liked the second part of the book more, as Frankie developed more as a person and so much was covered, from Agent Orange, the Gold Star Mothers, Mother’s Little Helpers, and the discovery of PTSD.

Notable lines:

“I don’t drink, but I don’t judge, either. Over here it’s live and let live. Whatever gets you through the night.”

“War was full of goodbyes, and most of them never really happened; you were always too early or too late.”

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

Another exception historical fiction that was both heartbreaking and hopeful from the best selling author Kristin Hannah. It follows the trials of a young nurse as she goes to war in Vietnam and the aftermath of her coming home. She is tested in relationships, lost in family and held together in friendships. This story follows the women in a time when men dominated the world and shows just how strong they could be.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc

Kristin Hannah’s writing is a true gift to readers. It is always perfection and absolutely enthralling in every single way. Not a single word ever out of place.

The Women is shocking, heartbreaking and beautiful all in one. Some parts are absolutely brutal, you can picture the horrible circumstances the war brought.

I loved all of the medical parts and the learning more about the role of the nurses in Vietnam. Heroes.

In usual Kristin Hannah manner - be ready for the tears. I thought I was getting by with just a few teary eye moments and then she got me good - ugly cry, sobbing mess as usual.

I can’t recommend this one enough and it will be in my top reads of the year for sure.

The Women is a remarkable exploration of the complexities of female relationships, resilience, and the enduring strength that can be found in the bonds between women. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel is a remarkable portrayal of the sacrifices and challenges faced by women.

Frankie is searching for something and she hopes that by joining the war she can find it. Being young and dealing with so much it seems Frankie isn’t even sure she knows what shes looking for but she is ready to dive in and see what life has to offer. Hannah masterfully weaves Frankie’s past, present and future together, offering a full and thoughtful view of the war’s lasting impact, especially on women.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in Hannah’s ability to bring life to historical fiction, really drawing you in and capturing your interest with such strong characters. By the first few chapters I really felt like I knew these women and I was so invested in their stories. The focus of friendship, love, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of women is both touching and powerful. There are a few really interesting themes through out the the novel but my favourite was the friendships. As always, Hannah captures the spirit of female relationships, celebrating the strength that arises when women support and uplift each other.

The Women is not just a historical novel; it is a celebration of the resilience of the female spirit. Kristin Hannah has created another amazing and emotionally charged story that will stay with you long after the final page and confirm something that we thought all along, women can be heroes.

This book is destined for greatness…

#kristinhannah #thewomenbook #bookreview #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #librarianreview #historicalfiction

A huge congratulations to @kristinhannahauthor on her new novel coming out soon! I am so thrilled I was picked to read this and my very first one at that. It’s impossible to forget and I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading.

A huge thanks to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the opportunity to review The Women.

My reviews can be found:
Instagram: @hedwigsandhopes
Goodreads: Nikki- Hedwig’s and Hopes

absolutely obsessed. it’s only february and this will be a favorite of the year. this book was so raw and powerful while being respectful and realistic

Wow, what a story. Francis "Frankie" McGrath is a twenty-one year old nursing student when she enlists in the army and follows her older brother to the Vietnam War. She grows up quickly, facing violence, death, friendship, love, heartbreak, and so much more. But it is her return to civilization that truly tests her resolve, as she faces hatred and gaslighting, from those who are supposed to love her, heal her, and even from her fellow veterans. Her friendships with fellow Vietnam War nurses are her constant through the years, as Frankie grows from being a young and innocent California girl, to a battle-tested woman.

I have been meaning to read a Kristin Hannah novel for years, and now I completely understand why her books are so beloved. While a historical fiction lover, this is a time period that was missing from my library, and it was eye-opening, heartbreaking, and felt like an important read. I knew the men who fought in Vietnam were mistreated, but to read this fictional take on real life stories was incredibly moving. This wasn't just educational, it was funny, sad, and inspiring. I fell in love with these characters, and cannot wait to go find another book by this author.

Wow wowowowow, Kristin Hannah does it again girl. This story has drraaaaaaaammmmmaaaaaaaa!!! Wow wow wow the friendship, hardship, love, death, etc. wow this was such an interesting read and female perspective of the Vietnam war. I didn't realize that they were not recognized for their contribution to the war during the time period. This book was extremely insightful and fascinating to read. My favorite part is the never ending powerful female friendships, through thick and thin!!! :-)

Absolutely stunning and beautiful from start to finish. Yet again Kristin Hannah reaches into my soul and stirs up every emotion. She is just a masterful storyteller. Her research and commitment to the historical facts buoy her vivid characters and settings. I loved this book! Loved it, loved it! I'll be recommending it to everyone.

I may not be a historical fiction girly, BUT, i may just be a Kristin Hannah girly. I have had this on my kindle from netgalley for months and have been dreading picking it up, thinking i would be bored to death. However, something about her writimg pulls you in and you just cant quit. REALLY enjoying this, and thinking about picking up more Kristin Hannah seeing as this is my first by her. I know, i know, blasphemous.

40% in and this book is ruining my life. Im so sad.

44% and if i didnt say it before, im so sad. Also, check the TW for this book for real. This whole part here was almost to much for me right now.

51% i hate you Kristin Hannah. My life will NOT go on.

65% is this going where i think its going....?

77% yes, yes it is....

78% that fucking bitch. Wtf. Frankie REALLY knows how to pick 'em.

80% loved part 1 Frankie, part 2 frankie can leave.

Petition for a Barb book, please!


*4.5
It got a little long towards the end, and I was ready to pick up another book.

Wow – another Kristin Hannah book that did not disappoint! Everything Kristin Hannah touches turns to gold, and this story was no exception. I love that I can pick up any book of hers, set during any time period, without reading the description or reviews, and still find it impossible to put down.

The author tells us the unforgettable story of one of the women of Vietnam, Frankie, a nurse who served in a combat zone alongside fast friends Ethel and Barb. This story is about Vietnam – but it is also about love, loss, and the complex emotional journey of recovering from trauma. I was thoroughly engrossed in every minute of it, finding myself up past my bedtime anticipating what was next. If anything, that was the only fault of this book – it was too engaging and therefore made me lose sleep!

Thank you, Kristin Hannah, for writing a book about a time period I’ve never read about before. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next. And a big thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advance copy. 5 stars, highly recommend.

I really enjoyed reading about underappreciated women in history. I couldn't read fast enough I devoured this book! Such an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC. And to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and st. Martins press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Francis (Frankie) joins the army as a nurse in Vietnam. During her time she sees and experiences a lot. This novel covers her time in Vietnam but most importantly how those experiences impacted her life afterward.

What I liked: Kristen Hannah is known for historical fiction and this book solidifies that. I was really impressed that the book focuses so much on the time after her time in Vietnam. I really understood the impact that the lack of acknowledgment of the soldiers and nurses experienced. There also wasn’t the tools or knowledge about mental health and therapy so it was so hard. I don’t think we do a great job of fully acknowledging the service and sacrifice that our service members do fir us. I fully admit that I never did until my nephew joined the navy. I hope others learn and it does make an impact.

This story also dealt with found family and friendships. Barb, Frankie and Ethel become bonded for life during their service. I loved their friendship and how it developed and continued through their lives. It was so special to see that.
Finally her actual family relationship was so emotional and deep. This is where Kristen Hannah skill as an author shows because my heart went through so many different emotions.
I really enjoyed this book and so glad to have read it early. I pre ordered a copy while reading my arc so I can share this story again.

Anyone who has read this book will remember forever this one message – women served in the Vietnam war, there were women in Vietnam. After they returned back home, these women were deprived of veterans facilities and struggled with their PTSD and other injuries in silence with absolutely no support. This book focuses on Frankie, a daughter from a rich family in Southern California, who decides to join the army as a nurse. She grows amazingly rich in experience while serving the wounded in Vietnam and her strong female friendships keep her mentally safe for a time. The time she has served for the country is definitely grueling, but more difficult was after returning to how she was treated by people, her own family, and anyone for that matter. And the lack of support for returning soldiers makes us think how horrible it would have been for people who did not even have any kind of family support. It was an intense read, but I would not have liked to miss it for sure.

Kristin Hannah is fast becoming a must-read author for me. She wields words like switchblades and hammers - subtle when needed, followed by a swift blow to the heart. I ended up staying up half the night reading THE WOMEN, it was that good. I applaud Kristin Hannah for shining a light on the women's experiences during the Vietnam War.

THE WOMEN is a must read!