The Women by Kristin Hannah is definitely going to be the historical fiction book of the year!
I first started reading Kristin Hannah novels in 2017. I picked up a copy of The Nightingale and I vividly remember crying in my kitchen as I finished the book. It changed the way I viewed historical fiction novels and, really, the way I viewed reading.
That sent me down a path of reading and loving her work. I am a fan that eagerly awaits her next publishing and devours it as soon as I can get my hands on a copy. I remember ordering a copy of The Great Alone from Book of the Month and being transported. What an emotional journey.
That’s what her books do! She’s powerful in her craft and evokes strong feelings in her readers. Dare I say that she’s the best historical fiction writer ever?
Reading it with your book club? Get my Book Club Kit for The Women!
Her book Firefly Lane was adapted into a Netflix series in 2021 starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke.
Her best-selling book The Nightingale has been adapted into a film starring the Fanning sisters and is set to premiere this fall!
I loved both of these novels so much!! Check out all of my other favorites in my Amazon Storefront!
Let’s Get into The Women!
Synopsis:
An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.
Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over- whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
Review:
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted advanced copy!
“Read this book. It’s incredible,” isn’t enough but it’s the first thing I blurt out when someone mentions The Women. This book knocked me down. Honestly, who knows how many times I cried?
I knew the Vietnam War was destructive and gruesome and divisive. That’s what we were taught in school. This book brings to life what history class didn’t. It puts the graphic violence, emotional conflict, and desperate plea for connection right in your face.
My grandfather fought in this war and had a permanent piece of shrapnel in his arm from combat. When I was young, I asked him about it and the only detail I was given was, “a grenade went off and I woke up in Hawaii.”
If that isn’t the epitome of veterans coming home from war, I don’t know what is. Coming back from such unfathomable terror to a simple, quiet life and protecting your family from the details.
After having read this book, I have a deeper understanding of all that he carried but didn’t say.
One of the ways this book really came alive for me was the music references. Throughout the book, music is used as an escape, to further the story along, and to document the time period. I made a Spotify playlist of all the songs mentioned and it’s been on repeat lately. It’s linked in my Book Club Kit!
I loved the emphasis on female friendships and strength. Frankie, Barb, and Ethel bonded in a traumatic way and had no choice but to lean on each other. Without sharing any spoilers, my heart broke when they returned home. They continued to hold each other up through different seasons of life.
This story is beautiful and infuriating. You’ll definitely need to be in the right headspace to take this one on. It’s an incredibly emotional read. Over and over again – in many ways – we saw how women were diminished, silenced, and devalued. And yet, they still picked each other up and carried on with what they knew to be right.
See the community response of The Women here!
Other Books by Kristin Hannah
If you’re new to Kristin Hannah’s books, allow me to be your official guide.
Below is a list of her books that I’ve read and loved in the order that I’d recommend reading them.
Content Warnings:
This book contains some heavy topics that may be difficult for some. There are depictions of sexism, infidelity, attempted suicide, miscarriage, psychiatric hospitalization, graphic blood, gore & injury depiction, medical procedures, death of a brother, gun violence, explosions & bombings, military violence & Vietnam War (theme) including mentions of chemical gassing. Visit this site for more information.
Discussion Questions:
The Women would make for a fantastic book club discussion! If your club is looking for a historical fiction that will prompt deep, thought-provoking discussions, you’ll love this book club pick. I’ve included a few discussion questions below.
You can get everything you need to host an immersive themed book club by purchasing my Book Club Kit! It includes even more discussion questions, a themed food and drink list, themed activity list, themed souvenir ideas, and a themed playlist that you can listen to instantly!
Get the Book Club Kit for The Women here!
- Did you serve in the Vietnam War or know someone who did? Start your discussion by opening up conversation for anyone to share their background. This will give your club a better understanding of perspectives and emotions that people may be carrying.
- How did the death of her brother impact Frankie’s life as a Vietnam nurse?
- What were your thoughts on the family hero wall throughout the story. Did you opinion on the wall change at any point?
- “Women can be heroes” was a profound moment for Frankie at the beginning of the story. Discuss how that continued to be represented throughout the novel. Share a piece of advice that has made a profound impact in your life.
- Discuss Frankie’s parents’ reactions to her enrolling in the Army. Did you think their reactions were warranted?
- There were lots of song references in throughout the story. How did the musical element of the play to your experience?
- When Frankie arrives in Vietnam, she is quickly thrust into an emergency situation. Discuss how this moment helped establish her friendship with Barb and Ethel. How did their friendship help them survive the war and cope with its aftermath?
- Discuss the treatment of nurses when they returned from Vietnam. Were you surprised by the lack of support and recognition they received as veterans? Why do you think that was the case?
- Frankie had several romantic relationships throughout the book – Jamie, Rye, Henry. Discuss how these relationships were different and how they each impacted her views.
- The title of the book is “The Women.” How do you feel the book represented the women’s experience of the Vietnam war? Do you think the book shared an accurate depiction of women in war?
- Frankie struggled greatly when she returned home from war. Discuss what external and internal factors played a part in her mental state. Were you surprised by the lack of welcome and appreciation from the American people?
- What was your reaction when Frankie found out her parents kept her tour a secret from their friends and community members?
Get even more discussion questions for The Women with my Book Club Kit!
Have you read The Women yet? Let me know what you think in a comment below or find me on Instagram!
Sign up for my newsletter and get notified about new book reviews and book club kits!
Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂