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A review by droden6
The Women by Kristin Hannah
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Everything made sense to her in the Army. Rules existed for a reason and you followed them to maintain order and help each other. The system was designed to force soldiers -men and women- into conformity. To build teams. It could save you life, apparently. Fitting in, being part of something larger, knowing your job, and doing it without question. She was comfortable with all of it." p. 25
"It is a strange world we are all in. Volatile and uncertain. We - Americans, I mean - can't seem to talk to each other anymore, our disagreements seem insurmountable..." p. 88
"Words were creators of worlds; you had to be careful with them." p. 116
I read a couple of my fellow bookstagram friends reviews on this, and I understand where they're coming from and I think they make valid points. Hannah has a tendency to destroy her main characters which makes for a frustrating read...I am a dissenting voice though on this one. And here's why.
My husband did two tours in Iraq as infantry, and so PTSD is a daily reality for us. I served on a carrier in a very male dominated rating. So being in a mans world is something I was familiar with as well. The demonstrable character of Rye is unfortunately a PERFECT description of many...many military men. This novel was so real to be. I viscerally felt her pain. It is not easy to reach out for help. I didn't get connected with the VA until about 3 years after my service. Frankie had the crutch of her wealthy family to fall back on, which made her decision making pretty frustrating, but also really realistic to me. It made sense.
I am a sucker for happy endings (which is why I love rom-coms) so I didn't mind people from the past coming back.
Hannah took me to a time and place I knew nothing more about than what Forrest Gump brings up. I loved this novel. Lawhon did the same thing to me in "Frozen River."
I DNF'd both the Four Winds and Nightingale...so I am not a Hannah super fan, but I am here for "The Women." Five glowing stars from me.
"It is a strange world we are all in. Volatile and uncertain. We - Americans, I mean - can't seem to talk to each other anymore, our disagreements seem insurmountable..." p. 88
"Words were creators of worlds; you had to be careful with them." p. 116
I read a couple of my fellow bookstagram friends reviews on this, and I understand where they're coming from and I think they make valid points. Hannah has a tendency to destroy her main characters which makes for a frustrating read...I am a dissenting voice though on this one. And here's why.
My husband did two tours in Iraq as infantry, and so PTSD is a daily reality for us. I served on a carrier in a very male dominated rating. So being in a mans world is something I was familiar with as well. The demonstrable character of Rye is unfortunately a PERFECT description of many...many military men. This novel was so real to be. I viscerally felt her pain. It is not easy to reach out for help. I didn't get connected with the VA until about 3 years after my service. Frankie had the crutch of her wealthy family to fall back on, which made her decision making pretty frustrating, but also really realistic to me. It made sense.
I am a sucker for happy endings (which is why I love rom-coms) so I didn't mind people from the past coming back.
Hannah took me to a time and place I knew nothing more about than what Forrest Gump brings up. I loved this novel. Lawhon did the same thing to me in "Frozen River."
I DNF'd both the Four Winds and Nightingale...so I am not a Hannah super fan, but I am here for "The Women." Five glowing stars from me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Miscarriage