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A review by lost_and_found_in_words
The Women by Kristin Hannah
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As a historical fiction girlie, I have read many books based in the World War 1 and 2 era but this was my first
Vietnam War read…and boy I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster it was…!
Kristin Hannah has a way with words unlike any other historical fiction writer of this generation and this book is no different, a well-researched masterpiece that beautifully crafts the story of “the women” who server in the Vietnam War through the eyes of nurses Frankie, Ethel, and Barb.
The first half of the book beautifully captures the contributions of the medical personnel during the war and sheds light on the horrors they witnessed (and dealt with) on ground…it’s just…heartbreaking but it’s not even the saddest part of the book. If you thought the second part was going to lead to a quintessential “happy ending” you are sadly mistaken!
Nothing prepares you for how helpless and devastated you feel when reading about the lack of respect, support, and in many cases the basic acknowledgement of their service lies in wait for all these veterans. The sheer mistreatment from government and civilians alike as the vets are trying to recover from the physical and mental traumas of the war will leave you angered and disgusted.
There’s so much I loved about this book, but the interweaving of relationships and friendships forged by the unlikely circumstances of the war was my favorite part of the story. Must-read!
Vietnam War read…and boy I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster it was…!
Kristin Hannah has a way with words unlike any other historical fiction writer of this generation and this book is no different, a well-researched masterpiece that beautifully crafts the story of “the women” who server in the Vietnam War through the eyes of nurses Frankie, Ethel, and Barb.
The first half of the book beautifully captures the contributions of the medical personnel during the war and sheds light on the horrors they witnessed (and dealt with) on ground…it’s just…heartbreaking but it’s not even the saddest part of the book. If you thought the second part was going to lead to a quintessential “happy ending” you are sadly mistaken!
Nothing prepares you for how helpless and devastated you feel when reading about the lack of respect, support, and in many cases the basic acknowledgement of their service lies in wait for all these veterans. The sheer mistreatment from government and civilians alike as the vets are trying to recover from the physical and mental traumas of the war will leave you angered and disgusted.
There’s so much I loved about this book, but the interweaving of relationships and friendships forged by the unlikely circumstances of the war was my favorite part of the story. Must-read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, War, Mental illness, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Blood, and Death
Minor: Addiction, Suicide attempt, Car accident, and Alcoholism