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A review by mackenzierm
The Women by Kristin Hannah
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
A revelation comes over Frankie, a twenty year old nursing student, when she hears the words "women can be heroes". Frankie has been raised in a conservative family in Southern California. In 1965, the world is changing causing Frankie to imagine a different future for herself than she used to. When her brother Finley ships out to serve in Vietnam, Frankie chooses to join the Army Nurse Corps to follow him. As an inexperienced nurse, Frankie is overwhelmed by the grief and loss caused by this war. Unfortunately for Frankie and the friends she makes in Vietnam, coming home to a changed and divided America is the real battle.
THE WOMEN is a phenomenal story; it is extremely well-written, thoughtful, and engaging. This was the first historical fiction novel that I've read set during the timeframe of the Vietnam war, with the war as its focus, so it was a fresh experience for me. THE WOMEN is told in two parts; the first is during Frankie's tour in Vietnam, and the second is following her return home to California. Kristin Hannah is an expert storyteller in my past experiences with her work, and it is no different here.
Frankie is our main character and narrator of this story. She is a strong, courageous, and smart young lady who has been raised in a family where military service is praised. When a wise person tells her that 'women can be heroes', she decides to pursue an avenue she never thought possible, hoping to make her family proud while doing the right and patriotic thing. Frankie's journey is hopeful, tragic, and daunting as she navigates through being a new nurse in a chaotic environment with many casualties and the aftermath, in a world where mental health wasn't fully acknowledged.
The first half of the book is a bit of a graphic and harrowing read as Frankie describes her experiences as an army nurse in her various stations, so if graphic medical scenes aren't your jam, maybe skip this read! The second half, as mentioned above, is set when Frankie returns to California after her tours in Vietnam and her experiences with the general public upon her return. This second half felt a bit drawn out to me, but was truly an excellent depiction of the PTSD Frankie experienced coming home and attempting to return to normalcy. This part was heavy to read emotionally, but so necessary to Frankie's full journey within this story.
My heart broke for Frankie on numerous occasions as she experienced difficulty opening herself up to others in regard to her struggles, as well as her realization that those who participated in the war effort were not seen as valued by her fellow Americans, particularly in comparison to those who had served in WWII. She also experienced so much heartbreak and loss that I couldn't help but feel that she was struggling very openly in some instances and it felt like she was drowning on her own, particularly as mental health wasn't something that was discussed and people (particularly women, as they were, unfortunately, not acknowledged by the VA) at this time were expected to brush it off. The friendships Frankie developed and maintained with Ethel and Barb during this time (and afterwards) were so important. My heart was warmed by how supportive these three women were of one another during the difficult life experiences they shared.
I had several jaw-dropping realizations as I read as new things occurred that I was shocked to have revealed. The ending in particular threw me for a loop but I am so content with how everything came together in the end.
Women in history are often forgotten, or their roles are downplayed, but they played such a pivotal role in how women experience things today. They deserve to be remembered and celebrated for their efforts.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions shared are my own.
THE WOMEN is a phenomenal story; it is extremely well-written, thoughtful, and engaging. This was the first historical fiction novel that I've read set during the timeframe of the Vietnam war, with the war as its focus, so it was a fresh experience for me. THE WOMEN is told in two parts; the first is during Frankie's tour in Vietnam, and the second is following her return home to California. Kristin Hannah is an expert storyteller in my past experiences with her work, and it is no different here.
Frankie is our main character and narrator of this story. She is a strong, courageous, and smart young lady who has been raised in a family where military service is praised. When a wise person tells her that 'women can be heroes', she decides to pursue an avenue she never thought possible, hoping to make her family proud while doing the right and patriotic thing. Frankie's journey is hopeful, tragic, and daunting as she navigates through being a new nurse in a chaotic environment with many casualties and the aftermath, in a world where mental health wasn't fully acknowledged.
The first half of the book is a bit of a graphic and harrowing read as Frankie describes her experiences as an army nurse in her various stations, so if graphic medical scenes aren't your jam, maybe skip this read! The second half, as mentioned above, is set when Frankie returns to California after her tours in Vietnam and her experiences with the general public upon her return. This second half felt a bit drawn out to me, but was truly an excellent depiction of the PTSD Frankie experienced coming home and attempting to return to normalcy. This part was heavy to read emotionally, but so necessary to Frankie's full journey within this story.
My heart broke for Frankie on numerous occasions as she experienced difficulty opening herself up to others in regard to her struggles, as well as her realization that those who participated in the war effort were not seen as valued by her fellow Americans, particularly in comparison to those who had served in WWII. She also experienced so much heartbreak and loss that I couldn't help but feel that she was struggling very openly in some instances and it felt like she was drowning on her own, particularly as mental health wasn't something that was discussed and people (particularly women, as they were, unfortunately, not acknowledged by the VA) at this time were expected to brush it off. The friendships Frankie developed and maintained with Ethel and Barb during this time (and afterwards) were so important. My heart was warmed by how supportive these three women were of one another during the difficult life experiences they shared.
I had several jaw-dropping realizations as I read as new things occurred that I was shocked to have revealed. The ending in particular threw me for a loop but I am so content with how everything came together in the end.
Women in history are often forgotten, or their roles are downplayed, but they played such a pivotal role in how women experience things today. They deserve to be remembered and celebrated for their efforts.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions shared are my own.