Kristin HannahThe Women: The Instant Number One Bestseller from the author of The Nightingale

I hardly ever give a 5 star review . But this book was stunning i literally could not put it down. It was gritty touching dramatic real thought provoking and Heart breaking at times. Kristin Hannah is an amazing author

"The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn't quite yet ready to hear it, and their story began with three simple words. - We were there"Enlightening, informative and a fitting tribute to the female service women and medical staff who served in Vietnam, but whose voice was never heard because ‘no women were there’. Kristin Hannah is an author who always demonstrates the immense healing power through storytelling, where voices are no longer silent, and in this book ‘The Women’, she has written a fabulous heartbreaking story and an eye opening account of events in Vietnam that conquers without coercion and agitates without exaggerating.The Plot - Many know something of the war in Vietnam, yet many like me knew little of the number of the women in service and the female medical staff who suffered, endured, and lived through that conflict. Frankie brings to life the role and treatment of women, who until later years were barely acknowledged despite the crucial role many played in the war. While the men were branded heroes, the country was dishonourably quiet about the role that their women played. Women who witnessed many of the same horrors, lost their lives, and endured injuries like many men but to American citizens – they weren’t even there.This very human story of Frankie took us on a journey through this distressing period in history, and takes us through the decision to sign up, how her family relationships became strained with the decision, and then the impact on her because of her parent’s lack of support, particularly her fathers. Add to that the loss of the three men in Frankie's life, her brother and her two loves and her re-integration back into society and 'normal' life and we have one of the most memorable historical fiction books I have ever read.Review and Comments - 'The Women' is an exquisite novel that will leave imprints on your heart and in your mind a long time after reading, not just about the brutality of war and loss on both sides, but the treatment and deafening silence about the role the women played. The book has an abundance of great characters, particularly Frankie who was portrayed as a very human person. An incredible woman, strong, determined, and courageous with an enormous capacity for love and forgiveness, but who for years suffered from the effects of war and because she ‘was not there’ never received the care and support needed to prevent PTSD.The storyline is superb, and the writing style is stunning. Historical fiction at its best as Kristin Hannah manages to hold a mirror up to society displaying themes of corruption, dishonour, loss, tragedy, PTSD, family relationships, and isolation as women and society struggled to contend and confront the very harsh reality of the story of ‘The Women’ in Vietnam. An awakening for many, then and now. An authentic account of an unforgotten and untold story. Sometimes brutal, sometimes beautiful. They were there.

This book was a blend of historical fiction and domestic drama. It focused on the Vietnam War, which lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975.The protagonist, Frankie, came from a wealthy family. She also had an older brother named Finley. Their family had a wall dedicated to their heroes in their home. When the news broke about the Vietnam War, Finley immediately enlisted.Frankie, feeling uneasy about her future as a woman, believes that her work life will end once she meets a man. It is what is expected. This prospect doesn’t sit well with her, so she decides to train as a nurse. However, her growing frustration leads her to make a bold decision: to sign up as a nurse in Vietnam. Despite her parents’ disapproval, Frankie remains resolute in her choice.Frankie’s upbringing means she is sheltered to a certain extent and naive. However, she upholds principles when it comes to men who refuse to get involved with men who are already in relationships.Well, she arrives in Vietnam, and it’s a stark contrast to her usual surroundings. What she sees is horrific. But the worst is yet to come. She’s taken under the wing of Ethel, Barb, and Patty, highly skilled nurses who help her every step of the way. They become her friends.The real shame is when Frankie returns home from Vietnam. She discovers that people are far from welcoming and hostile. The country was unaware of the horrors that were unfolding. Her parents even fabricated an excuse for her whereabouts. All of this infuriates Frankie because she finds no one who is proud of her service.We then witness Frankie spiralling downward as she grapples with her nightmares of the atrocities she witnessed in Vietnam. Upon their return, the men were welcomed, but there was no support or acknowledgment of the women who had served in Vietnam.Frankie makes impulsive decisions that nearly lead to her self-destruction. Her PTSD was barely acknowledged, which exacerbated her struggles.I will stop here as there is so much more to tell. I will say it was a hard read at times and very emotional but I am glad I finally got around to reading it. It is also worth reading the author’s note at the end.This quote from the book stood out for meFrankie ‘joined the Army to find her brother and found herself instead’

I have read many books about WW2 but few about Vietnam. Hannah’s amazing writing had me on edge from start to finish and I felt it even better than The Nightingale - and that was exceptional. Believable, realistic, challenging and demanding in an emotional way. The characters were so well presented resulting in a totally absorbing read - you’ll want to finish it as soon as you start, believe me!

Incredible book - the best I've read for a while! Detailed, emotional, gripping. Loved the story and it left me wanting to find out more about the true story and lives of these women. MUST read!!