Book Review: The Women

Title: The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah 
Length: 471 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot Summary: A young woman from a privileged California family defies societal expectations by enlisting as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War after her brother’s military deployment. Frances “Frankie” McGrath experiences the brutal realities of wartime nursing, forming deep bonds with fellow nurses Barb and Ethel while confronting the physical and emotional devastation of the conflict. Her experiences in Vietnam transform her, giving her a sense of purpose amid chaos. Upon returning home, she faces profound challenges: societal indifference, personal trauma, and the struggle to reintegrate into civilian life. Her journey includes complex romantic relationships, battles with addiction, and ultimately, a powerful personal redemption. 

Review: Sometimes I label myself “the aftermath of war”. My dad fought in the Vietnam War and became a prisoner of war for 10 years. I was born after he came back. In high school, I wanted to write a thesis on the roles of women during the Vietnam War, but was ultimately advised against it because it would “hit too close to home”. So imagine my delight when this historical fiction was born. True to Hannah’s style, the novel really allows readers to immerse into the mindset of Frankie McGrath, a Vietnam War nurse. Despite her hardships, working in unimaginable conditions, and witnessing profound horrors, she found herself in Vietnam – her purpose, her calling in life. While the romantic subplot occasionally feels tangential, hitting rock bottom inspired McGrath to realize her second calling. Overall, I love McGrath’s journey to finding herself and helping other women find their own inner peace, especially in a world that has forgotten them. 

Rating: 4.5/5