Nothing about war is glamorous. It’s painful, destructive and comes with scars that aren’t all visible.
But what if you are part of a war where no one believes women served?
We all know those returning from Vietnam were not welcome back from this unpopular conflict. But at least the men were acknowledged. They were provided VA benefits, offered help.
The women, not so much. Not at first.
All of this comes to light in Kristin Hannah’s historical novel The Women (St. Martin’s Press, 2024).
With mom and I doing quite a bit of traveling this year, we needed a book to listen to while driving from point to point. This recommendation from my friend, Becky, was perfect.
Mom and I were both captivated by the story lines—family dynamics, friendship, love, war and the aftermath. While the actual war is a large part of the book, even more so is after the lead character, combat nurse Frances “Frankie” McGrath, returns home.
It’s not so easy for her to jump back into her old life. She is a changed woman in ways her parents don’t want to accept. People dismiss her experience, often challenging her by saying women didn’t serve in Vietnam.
While at that time they could not be in combat, they did serve. The truth is about 11,000 women from the United States were deployed to Vietnam.
Each page is bound to keep you riveted. I was sorry it had to end.
I read this book several months ago. Passed my book to a friend, and purchased a few for others. The Women captures issues that never surface about their roles in Vietnam and being ignored related to the traumas they experienced because they were not on the front line. I highly recommend. True friendships from different walks of life emerged as the story unfolded. A reminder to always keep in touch.
I have heard nothing but praise for this book. Robert loved it, but also said it was a challenge to read as the topics raised so many emotions.
We just read this. Excellent book.
“The Women” was then last book we read and discussed in our book club. I’m so glad that this book was on our list to read, otherwise I don’t think I would have read it . I highly recommend it as a must read !
This book was captivating. Being in the same profession, I could not put it down. The trials the RN’s went through was unreal. There is a lot of team work/family in the medical field. I believe that is how we survive.
Just finished the book. It was riveting for me. I grew up during that time and remember much about those events. It was good to read about women’s experiences during and after the war. It was such a turbulent time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Powerful, infuriating and heartbreaking.. Sad to find out how recently these combat nurses are finally being recognized & becoming eligible for Veteran Services .
I was inspired to read a couple of Hannahs other books, but it is the best.