This is such an epic audiobook bag Hannah and Whelan. It’s raw and heartbreaking over and over. I loved seeing the women’s side of the war effort

Thank you @Macmillan.Audio for the ARC of The Women, which is out now!

It’s taken me a long time to put my thoughts about The Women into words, but the gist of it is Kristin Hannah’s writing stays with you long after the book is finished. The Women was phenomenal and Julia Whelan was the perfect narrator to bring Frankie’s story to life.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It is gruesome in its detail, but imo Hannah would’ve done the women who served a disservice by withholding the unique brutality of Vietnam. The war, the women, their feelings - all of it was so realistic and horrific and moving. It’s hard to think that this part of history was real.

The depiction of PTSD, lack of resources, and confusing transition back to civilian life is so well written. It’s heartbreaking. This book is heartbreaking, but I also learned so much.

I thought I had a decent understanding of the Vietnam war and the political and social climate at the time, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I had no idea women served in Vietnam. I had no idea that returning Vets weren’t celebrated especially not the women. I had no idea.

Overall, I loved this book. It is arguably one of the best books I read in 2023.

Kristin Hannah does it again with another thoroughly engaging work of historical fiction. The Women takes place during the tumultuous days of the Vietnam War. My husband and I listened to this on a road trip, and the miles flew by.

This is the first book that I have read by Kristin Hannah, and I was curious about her writing. I was not disappointed. I loved that it was set in San Diego and that it focused on strong women overcoming some pretty awful things. I'm not sue that the main character was consistently believable - I kept asking myself if she would really do some of the things she did - but aside from that, this is a fine story about courage during wartime (Vietnam) and even greater courage coming home after the war. This story also gives a voice to a wonderful group of women - Army Nurses who served along-side the men, but were not recognized for their service until many years later. It is also a marvelous coming-of-age story as we follow restless Frances, from her wealthy entitled life to Vietnam and beyond. It is also a story of enduring friendships forged under impossible circumstances.

KH has outdone herself yet again!!

🩺 REVIEW: THE WOMEN 🩺

By Kristin Hannah

📖 SUMMARY: Frankie has heard stories of her family’s war heroes all her life. So when her older brother heads off to Vietnam, she decides to join him as an Army nurse. This news, which she thought would please her parents, does the opposite. She heads off to Vietnam without much of a support system and no realistic expectations of what she’ll encounter. Her traumatic experiences there shape her as a person, but it’s the way she’s received by the American public upon her return to the states that sends her life down a path she never anticipated.

💭 THOUGHTS: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Kristin can do no wrong in my eyes. I had high expectations for this one, and she did not let me down. The setting, the characters, the plot were all so well done, but the level of care that she took in her research behind this story are what make this my top KH. It was definitely tough to read some of the chapters, especially how Frankie was treated by people, even her fellow veterans, just because she was a woman. I shed a lot of tears because I knew that treatment was real for so many women. I highly, highly recommend for anyone who loves historical fiction (or even if you don’t think you’re a fan — this might be the book to get you into it)!

I’m just now getting around to posting this review, but I was lucky enough to receive an advanced audio copy, which was amazing because it was narrated by Julia Whelan. Thank you @ netgalley and @ Macmillan audio !!

✨ MADE ME FEEL: sad, scared, and SO ANGRY

🥰 YOU’LL ENJOY IF: you’re a diehard KH fan, love historical fiction, or want to learn more about the Vietnam War and veteran experiences

This might be my favorite Kristin Hannah book so far. I haven’t read them all, but have read enough to catapult this book to the top of my ranking. I was completely engrossed in this story, captivated by the writing because I felt like I was inside the book.

Even though this story falls within the historical fiction genre, it is obvious that Hannah did her research as so many storylines are true. 

For how heavy and sad it is, I wasn’t overly shocked on how many topics Hannah hit on. And they weren’t just thrown in to fill the space, they very much had a purpose which tied everything together. Between the horrors of war, PTSD, women living in a mans world, love, death, and so much more, I think it’ll be hard for me to convince readers just how well done everything was.

I went on an emotional rollercoaster and loved every step of the way.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ALC!

Content warnings: War, death, violence, miscarriage, addiction, Alcoholism, infidelity

This was my first Kristin Hannah and let me tell you I fully understand the hype!! It’s an incredibly impactful and important story about the nurses (women) in the Vietnam War, something the US skipped over and failed to educate us about. I love the main character, Frankie and her story of strength, perseverance, and growth not only during the war, but dealing with the repercussions of coming home afterwards. Also a found family trope will always get me in my feels! This story will live rent free in my head forever. Easy five star read.

I loved this book and adored this audiobook! it kept me wanting more, the narrator did an amazing job with the story I felt every emotion frankie felt it was such an emotional read.

Kristin Hannah does it again with another heart wrenching book! I cried….a lot! I found myself going in and doing more research of my own after reading this one.

The strength of the characters in this book is compelling. The backdrop of American history is a glimpse that is captured through the female experience of war. This perspective is not often taken in history and from writers of fiction. This book is well written and takes you on a journey that is both heart, wrenching, and growth inspired

Absolutely fantastic! Excellent character development and obviously well-researched. Looking at the forgotten women who served as nurses in Vietnam, the story covers many aspects: friendships and bonds formed during war, mass casualties on both sides including civilians, effects of napalm including long-term, death of loved ones, addiction, POW's, returning home, protests, PTSD, and veteran suicide. It's all very emotional, but the reader is immediately drawn into the story and invested in the characters.

Julie Whelan's narration is always excellent, but she outdoes herself on this one! The emotion is spot-on!

I've loved everything I've ever read by Kristin Hannah and this was no different. This story taught me so much about the roles of women, specifically nurses, in Vietnam. The dynamics of what a woman's role should be, even in the confines of her family, remind us how far we've come in our concepts and beliefs of what women can do. It also addresses the trauma, both physical and hidden, that our soldiers suffered and continue to suffer in defense of freedom.

The Women was an absolutely fabulous book, that I adored. It made me laugh, cry, and it legitimately broke my heart. Frankie, the main protagonist, goes through so much! Although I thought this would be impossible to have a happy ending, it ultimately gave a satisfying ending that made me happy.

I especially loved the author's note at the end, discussing the book and all the research and interviews that went into a book with the scope that this one had. Although some literary license was taken with some places and locations, this book worked seamlessly, and I really enjoyed listening to the note, read by the author.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was incredible. So powerful I knew how the Vietnam vets were treated when they came back from war. BUT I really had no idea that the women were treated even worse!! This was a 5 star book for me. It sticks with you. You think about it. A story about women who support Women. Strong Women who do their part in this world.

Excellent book! Engaging, the characters became real in my mind. I recommend that everyone read this book. My favorite book of the year!

Kristin Hannah is without a doubt one of the great authors of our time. I have been totally enthralled with every novel I have read of her’s. Her WWII novels are riveting! But “The Women”, written about the nurses in the Viet Nam war was incredible as it hit so close to home for me! I lived through that war, writing letters nightly to two boyfriends in 1967, and 1968. But I’d never known it from a nurse’s perspective, even being in nursing school myself at that time. Reading Frankie’s story, I felt every sorrow and pain that she endured, and it was far more than any one should have to go through. The saddest part though, was that it didn’t conclude with Viet Nam . Coming home only caused her life to spiral more out of control. This is one incredible journey and anyone reading it should really contemplate the great sacrifices that the men and even the women in the military have sacrificed for their country! Beautifully written!

This book is a masterpiece. The amount of research Hannah has to do for her books in always amazing to me. This book was a heartbreaking and gut wrenching read. I can't say that I've ever read a book about the Vietnam War. Historical fiction tends to skew WWII so this was a good break from that. Great narrator. A good narrator always adds to the story.

This was a well done historical fiction by Kristin Hannah. I appreciated her ability to have me care about the characters and portray the critical importance of female friendships. This book certainly opened my eyes to the women who served in the Vietnam war.

I went back and forth between the audio version and kindle ebook. 4.5 stars

I don't know how to summarize such a powerful story, but I know I have never ready anything like this before and I don't think I ever will again. The way that Kristin Hannah tells the story of Frankie and her experiences will keep your heart aching for long afterwards. Another excellent book, definitely not one to miss!

Kristin Hannah's "The Women" is a real and raw exploration of the Vietnam War from a perspective often overlooked in historical narratives: that of the women who served. At the heart of this story is Frankie McGrath, a young nurse who volunteers for the Vietnam War, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to follow in her father's military footsteps.
Hannah depicts Frankie's journey from an eager and idealistic young woman to a seasoned nurse who faces the brutal realities of war. The narrative is rich with the grim details of combat and the emotional toll it takes on those who experience it. Through Frankie's eyes, readers gain a deep understanding of the camaraderie among the women in the military and the unique challenges they faced, both in the warzone and upon their return home.
The novel excels in its portrayal of post-war America, capturing the disillusionment and trauma that many veterans, especially women, experienced. Frankie’s struggle to reintegrate into a society that is indifferent or hostile to her sacrifices is heart-wrenching and vividly rendered. Hannah does not shy away from the complexities of PTSD, gender discrimination, and the personal battles that extend long after the physical war has ended.
"The Women" is not just a historical novel; it’s a tribute to the often-ignored contributions and sacrifices of female veterans. Kristin Hannah's meticulous research and empathetic storytelling result in a powerful narrative that is both educational and deeply moving. This book is a must-read for those interested in a more inclusive understanding of the Vietnam War and its profound impact on the lives of those who served.
Hannah's ability to weave historical accuracy with fictionalized personal stories ensures that "The Women" will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. It's a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring bonds formed in the crucible of war.
I am thankful that I was able to read this book and gain a new perspective on the Vietnam war. I have an uncle who served in this war and it makes me even more proud and appreciative of what he went through for our county.