A review by natreadthat
The Women by Kristin Hannah

challenging dark 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? No

4.0

Oooof, this was a tough read. I had limited knowledge of the Vietnam war, but knew at a high level that it was atrocious all around. Kristin Hannah, in typical queen of historical fiction fashion, drove that point home. 

After sending her brother off to fight in Vietnam, Frankie makes a split-second decision to join the fight as a combat nurse. In Vietnam, she experiences the highest highs and lowest lows. Back home, she’s hit with shame, disappointment, trauma, and PTSD. 

It was widely believed there were “no women in ‘Nam”. This book helps provide a voice to the forgotten women veterans of Vietnam. Frankie’s story, though fiction, does not shy away from the gory details of war and dealing with the aftermath. Even though parts were predictable, they still hit you like a ton of bricks. Between loss, trauma, betrayal, and heartbreak, my heart broke for Frankie, but it soared for the friendships between her girls.
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