By Kristin Hannah
ISBN: 9781250178633
For the fans of historical fiction, “The Women” by Kristin Hannah is a must-read coming-of-age story. It is well-researched, highly relatable, and difficult to put down once you start reading. Emotional and gripping, the tale shines light on all the women who risk their lives to help others. However, if you prefer lighter reads or war scenes give you pause, consider your comfort level before picking up this book.
Synopsis:
“Women can be Heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over- whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.”
What’s to like:
It is evident that Hannah’s book is the result of years of study and advice from actual Vietnam War nurses. I like the author’s emphasis on the experiences of women since women’s efforts have sometimes gone unacknowledged. The novel’s protagonist, Frankie is a memorable heroine who is fierce, strong, passionate, and a breathtakingly gorgeous lady. Far from being perfect, she does some awful acts, which shows that she is a flawed human being who is in pain. All the characters are well crafted and feel real, and I thoroughly enjoyed the heartwarming dynamic between Frankie, Barb, and Ethel – their friendship is truly endearing!
Furthermore, Hannah vividly describes the war, enlightening the readers with what happened during that period, especially for those who did not experience it firsthand. She portrays the PTSD, addiction, and mental health challenges that veterans deal with in a genuine and unvarnished manner, along with their entire path of personal development. “The Women” should be on your 2024 reading list if you enjoy stories of women in history who made untold sacrifices and showed endurance.
What’s not to like:
For those looking for a straightforward war story, the intricate romantic elements, especially Frankie’s complex relationships, might be a bit too much. Moreover, sensitive readers may find the detailed war scenes intense. Although the book was engaging, I felt it was a bit too lengthy and could have been reduced by omitting unnecessary and repetitive details. At times I skipped paragraphs or just skimmed pages to move the story forward, which detracted from my overall reading experience.
Book Review Rating: 4.5/5 – Recommended
Clean Content Rating: Intermediate.
Content Warnings: Mention of premarital relations, violence and suicide. Age advisory: 18+