I first came across Kristin Hannah’s books while I was in college (2000), and since then, I’ve been hooked. Of her 25 novels, I’ve read 25. She’s one author of who I am a die-hard fan. I read everything she writes. There’s only been one of her novels that I wouldn’t read again and it wasn’t this one. In fact, this Christmas I re-read Comfort and Joy for my 4th time. Kristin Hannah’s stories always draw me in with their heartfelt emotions and relatable characters. Her latest novel, The Women, is no different.
The Women by Kristin Hannah is an emotional story set during the Vietnam War. It shines a light on the courage and sacrifices of the women who served as nurses. What stood out to me in this book were the deep friendships forged in the chaos of war, but I expected that from Kristin Hannah as she writes profound “girlfriend” stories. I bet in real life she has a solid “girlfriend” group. These friendships and bonds became lifelines, helping each other survive and heal in unimaginable circumstances. With that said, I think there was one unrealistic element, another disappointing element, and one large missed opportunity in the story, but I’ll get to that soon.
A Story That Brings Vietnam to Life
Kristin Hannah has a way of pulling you into her settings, and The Women brings Vietnam to life with haunting clarity. The suffocating heat of the jungle, the deafening roar of helicopters, and the chaos of field hospitals. Not to mention, the awful scent—it’s all so vividly described that you feel like you’re right there with Frankie (Frances McGrath), the main character. Her first impression when she arrives is a vivid description that stays with the reader. Then, the descriptions of their trips into the village to administer relief to the Vietnam residents were vivid and poignant. Armed with medical supplies they would set out on their journey with a sense of purpose to administer aide and compassion. The roads were often treacherous, lined with snipers and unspeakable danger. The scenes they would find when they arrived was heartbreaking. Wounded men, women, and children.
Two Worlds: The War and Back Home
One of the most striking aspects of the book is the contrast between life in Vietnam and life back home (United States of America). In Vietnam, Frankie experienced immense fear, loss, and grief. But she also experienced fleeting moments of camaraderie that give her the strength to keep going. But when Frankie returns home, she faces a completely different kind of battle. Protesters confront her, calling her a “baby killer” and spit on her. This stark divide between the reality of the war and the perception of it back home adds so much depth to the story and highlights the struggles faced by so many veterans, especially those who volunteered and were proud of their service as opposed to those who were drafted and did not believe in the war.
Leadership and the Media
Hannah also dives into the political landscape of the time, showing how decisions made by leaders like President Lyndon B. Johnson and the way news was presented to the public shaped opinions about the war. Frankie’s firsthand experiences in Vietnam often clash with what Americans were being told back home. In one powerful scene, she listens to a radio broadcast where the president insists the war is under control, even as she’s surrounded by overwhelming casualties and chaos. It’s a stark reminder of how different the truth can be from the stories we’re told, and it makes you think about the impact of leadership and media on public perception. I know this is an especially hot topic today in our present world and culture.
Final Thoughts and Some Critical Comments About The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s The Women isn’t just a story about war—it’s a story about humanity, friendship, and finding strength even in the darkest times. It’s emotional, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. BUT, that does not mean that I thought it was flawless. I have two or three critical points that I want to point out.
First, I think there was one really big missed opportunity. I really, really, really expected, and WANTED Finley to step off the plane as a returned prisoner of war. For heaven’s sake, Kristin Hannah masterfully set that up, telling the McGraths they should bury “Another Man’s Boots” in his coffin. I was so disappointed when Hannah missed that opportunity. It was a way she could have also redeemed the father. Finley could have mentioned a nurse who helped him or a friend. He could have helped their father see that Frankie and the other nurses were important in the war. I know her father apologized to her at the Vietnam Memorial, but what about the family “Hero’s Wall.”
In my opinion, his return could only have added to the story. We could have still had the accidents and suicide attempts. I would have swapped out his struggles for the mother’s stroke.
I can’t stress enough how let down an disappointed I was about him Finley not stepping off that plane, or another one.
Now, for my unrealistic element. Every single time Frankie needed them, Ethel and/or Barb, her two best girlfriends dropped everything and came running to her side. This would be fine if they were closer, but these women crossed the country by plane. They left jobs and family and always had the finances to pay for a plane ticket. Nope, absolutely not, especially considering the life circumstances of a college veterinary student and a minority woman still searching for her purpose. To make this realistic to me the friends would need to have lived closer. No more than a state or two away.
Finally, where my nominal disappointment comes in. We could have still had a great book while not making every man on Earth (except Henry and perfect Finley) a horrible, lying, cheating bastard. (I know that is exaggerated, but seriously, there were still good men.) First Jamie, then Rye. I wasn’t surprised. BUT, I was really rooting for Henry. The redeeming element in this was Henry got his happily ever after. Thank you for giving him that. Henry deserved it.
Overall, I am going to be a little critical and give this book 4-stars. It’s only the second book of Kristin Hannah’s I have ever reduced a star for. I would have still given it 5-stars even with the unrealistic and disappointing elements, but I think the missed opportunity was so blaring to every reader that I can’t overlook it. I’m sorry, but the Kristin Hannah set that up perfectly, and then it was such a low point when it didn’t happen.
If you’re looking for a book that will stick with you long after you turn the last page, this is the one. Hannah has once again crafted a masterpiece that reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many and the courage it takes to move forward.