The Women is an exceptional historical saga that left me deeply affected. As a long-time fan of Hannah’s work, I’ve found each of her novels grimmer than the last, and The Women is no exception. It brilliantly but painfully portrays the life of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nurse who serves in the Vietnam War.
Hannah’s historical detail about the war, protests, music, and cultural tidbits transport readers back to the turbulent 1960s and 70s. The vivid settings and descriptions of the horrors of war are so powerful that you can almost feel the oppressive heat and humidity of Vietnam and hear the screams of those waiting in triage. The living conditions of the nurses were horrendous, and Hannah spares no detail in showcasing their daily struggles.
Frankie’s journey is heart-wrenching. Her emotional suffering and the love story that unfolds made me tear up. Hannah masterfully illustrates the intense pain and trauma experienced by those who served, both on the front lines and upon returning home. I’ve read about how Vietnam soldiers were mistreated when they returned home, but I’ve never read about what happened to the women who served. This book fills that gap, shining a light on their often overlooked sacrifices.
Kristin Hannah has become an absolute master of historical fiction, and The Women may be my favorite of her books. It is a must-read for anyone interested in a beautifully crafted, well-researched, and deeply moving story about the unsung heroines of the Vietnam War. Five stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. The opinions are my own.