42 pages 1 hour read

Kristin Hannah

The Women: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Women by Kristin Hannah follows Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nurse who serves during the American conflict in Vietnam in the late 1960s. Raised in privilege, 20-year-old Frankie is eager to find purpose and quickly grows from a naïve woman to a skilled Operating Room (OR) nurse. However, the horrors of war make acclimation to civilian life challenging. Through Frankie, Hannah hopes to elucidate the lesser-known women of the Vietnam War. This book includes depictions of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pregnancy loss, child loss, and substance misuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

In The Women, Kristin Hannah delivers a poignant and immersive narrative highlighting the strength of women during the Vietnam War. Critics praise her rich character development and historical accuracy, though some cite a predictable plot and occasional melodrama. Despite these flaws, the emotional depth and vivid storytelling make it a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Women?

Fans of poignant, character-driven narratives with strong female leads and historical settings will cherish The Women by Kristin Hannah. Similar to readers who enjoyed The Nightingale by Hannah or The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, this novel appeals to those captivated by women's untold stories and emotional resilience in challenging times.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Romance

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Military / War

Themes

Society: War

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance