ellieb_reads 's review for:

The Women by Kristin Hannah

5.0

emotional sad tense fast-paced

---

This book was so beautiful and heartbreaking and exactly what I expect from a Kristin Hannah. The novel is split into two parts, our main character Frankie’s time in Vietnam and her return home, and it’s hard to say which part of the story was more harrowing. Hannah’s description of Frankie’s experiences with PTSD were so deeply felt that I wished I could reach through the book to hug her. My one complaint was the writing of the romances (and if I’m honest, this does make it a 4.9 instead of a full 5 stars for me). One in particular just felt very soap opera-esque, and I found the conclusion bordering on corny. But that’s a minor gripe, and perhaps they didn’t sit right for me because the most important relationship in the book is Frankie’s connection with the other nurses she meets in Vietnam. Female friendship is the star of this novel, and I did most of my crying over the parts including Barb and Ethel. Overall, I highly recommend The Women, and get your tissues ready!