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4.51 AVERAGE
4.51 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
The entire book really reminded me of the TV show China Beach--remember that one? I went through a stage in high school where I read every paperback book about Vietnam from Waldenbooks. Most of them were about men and the war, but plenty mentioned the nurses, too.
This novel is a bit shocking since the main character is from the upper class--her family told everyone she spent a few years in Florence, Italy, instead of Vietnam? What the heck? I appreciate the time spent on explaining her PTSD and the shock that all veterans go through when they return to the States from war. It's different when they don't return as heroes, too, like they do now. I had to do some research about why she wasn't considered a veteran when she was in the Army Nurse Corps--it's nuts that she didn't have access to the VA hospital and resources when she came home! Frankie's friendships with fellow nurses Barb and Ethel sustained her during her years after returning to California. Did her PTSD cause her to make bad choices when it came to male companionship? Maybe.
I debated on giving this 5 stars but something about it just seemed off. Almost like Hallmark movie off? I'm not sure how to explain it. But I'm so glad a popular author chose to write about Vietnam--maybe the tide will return from WW2 historical fiction to Vietnam? I know I'm ready for the switch.
This novel is a bit shocking since the main character is from the upper class--her family told everyone she spent a few years in Florence, Italy, instead of Vietnam? What the heck? I appreciate the time spent on explaining her PTSD and the shock that all veterans go through when they return to the States from war. It's different when they don't return as heroes, too, like they do now. I had to do some research about why she wasn't considered a veteran when she was in the Army Nurse Corps--it's nuts that she didn't have access to the VA hospital and resources when she came home! Frankie's friendships with fellow nurses Barb and Ethel sustained her during her years after returning to California. Did her PTSD cause her to make bad choices when it came to male companionship? Maybe.
I debated on giving this 5 stars but something about it just seemed off. Almost like Hallmark movie off? I'm not sure how to explain it. But I'm so glad a popular author chose to write about Vietnam--maybe the tide will return from WW2 historical fiction to Vietnam? I know I'm ready for the switch.
Wow. Well written and researched. There were aspects of the story/characters that didn’t seem to match the rest of the story, but overall, a moving tale with so much to unpack. I believe this is an incredibly important story to tell and grateful to have read it.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
I always appreciate how much research Kristin Hannah puts into her books and this was no exception. She really could have just expanded on the first half of the book with Frankie in Vietnam and it still would’ve been an amazing and thrilling story, but I think it was so important to explain what happened after to so many veterans, and particularly women, whose stories were forgotten, ignored, and shamed.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Just wow.
Kristen Hannah has done it again. I was hooked to this book and learned so much about the Vietnam War that I vaguely knew but now have a better understanding.
Hannah has a way with her writing to feel emotions that the character is going through. It had me crying at many points throughout. Such a good historical fiction novel just like The Nightingale.
Kristen Hannah has done it again. I was hooked to this book and learned so much about the Vietnam War that I vaguely knew but now have a better understanding.
Hannah has a way with her writing to feel emotions that the character is going through. It had me crying at many points throughout. Such a good historical fiction novel just like The Nightingale.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jesus mary and joseph I need a serious emotional palate cleanser after this one
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated