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“The Women” by Kristen Hannah
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“The Women” by Kristen Hannah
Review by Amy Atzert, collection development librarian
As the story begins, we meet Frances “Frankie” McGrath at her brother Finley’s send-off party to Vietnam. Their father has supported the navy and all who served for her entire life. He even has a hero wall dedicated to all the local men who serve. What Frankie doesn't understand is why her father thinks that women can’t be heroes. It is 1965 afterall. Armed with her new nursing degree Frankie looks for an opportunity to serve in Vietnam like her brother. She ships out with the Army Nurse Corps to follow in his footsteps.
Frankie is simply unprepared for what she finds when she makes it to Vietnam. The bloodshed, horror, horrendous conditions, and death are at times just unbearable. She isn’t sure how she would get through one day let alone months. It was only because of her brave female colleagues that she even survived. Their friendships were like no other she ever experienced.
As hard as the fighting and death were in Vietnam, when Frankie finally makes it back to the states it is almost worse. Her parents are ashamed of her. Her brother died in combat and so did many of her friends, including a man she loved. The trauma of all of it creates a huge torment in her life, one she is not sure she can bear. Will Frankie be able to reclaim her life and find her way forward?
There is so much meat to this story. There are plenty of main and supporting characters to get to know. Myriad details and vivid descriptions help the reader visualize the backdrop. A novel full of important issues and life lessons inspired by the women who served our country bravely. Get on the hold list for this one especially if you like Hannah’s work and maybe even if you haven’t read her yet.