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A review by amanda_reads13
The Women by Kristin Hannah
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
5.0
We follow Frankie journey before, during, and after her service as a nurse in the Vietnam war.
Kristen Hannah manages to capture the spirit of an entire generation in this novel. This is a beautifully written story filled with devastating truths and complex characters. I love how Hannah managed honour these forgotten women while still unveiling the horrible truth of the war.
Vietnam war vets experienced things that no others before them had. They were shunned when they returned home, especially the women. Coupled with the lack understanding of mental health and PTSD, this lead to an epidemic depression drug/alcoholism, and suicide amongst the vets.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. There are part of this book that will make you so mad - the unethical war tactics, the white saviour complex, and the horrific treatment of the veterans, especially the women. There are parts that will make you cry - the loss of so many lives, the struggles Frankie goes through to be seen, heard, and healed, and the betrayals. There are parts that will fill your heart - the beautiful friendships, women supporting women, and that ending.The entire ending was such a therapeutic release after so much pain and sadness. Her parents finally recognizing her service and Jamie being alive! This filled my heart with so much joy!
The characters in this book are strong, yet flawed. In the end, Frankie has grown and evolved to the point where she is almost unrecognizable from the woman she was at the start of the book. She grows from a woman who endured so much pain and heartache that she wants to take her own life to a woman who is able to use that pain to help and save other women.
The friendships in this book are so beautifully written. These three women from such different backgrounds and worlds are thrown together in in the midst of war. Their bond is unbreakable. They see each other through every step in life and show up for each other.
Kristen Hannah manages to capture the spirit of an entire generation in this novel. This is a beautifully written story filled with devastating truths and complex characters. I love how Hannah managed honour these forgotten women while still unveiling the horrible truth of the war.
Vietnam war vets experienced things that no others before them had. They were shunned when they returned home, especially the women. Coupled with the lack understanding of mental health and PTSD, this lead to an epidemic depression drug/alcoholism, and suicide amongst the vets.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. There are part of this book that will make you so mad - the unethical war tactics, the white saviour complex, and the horrific treatment of the veterans, especially the women. There are parts that will make you cry - the loss of so many lives, the struggles Frankie goes through to be seen, heard, and healed, and the betrayals. There are parts that will fill your heart - the beautiful friendships, women supporting women, and that ending.
The characters in this book are strong, yet flawed. In the end, Frankie has grown and evolved to the point where she is almost unrecognizable from the woman she was at the start of the book. She grows from a woman who endured so much pain and heartache that she wants to take her own life to a woman who is able to use that pain to help and save other women.
The friendships in this book are so beautifully written. These three women from such different backgrounds and worlds are thrown together in in the midst of war. Their bond is unbreakable. They see each other through every step in life and show up for each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and War