Book Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah

In Kristin Hannah’s latest novel, The Women, we are taken on a visceral journey through the Vietnam War, not through the eyes of the soldiers on the front lines, but through the experiences of the women who served as military nurses. This unique perspective brings a refreshing yet harrowing lens to a narrative that has predominantly been male-centric in literature and film. Hannah’s re-centering of the Vietnam War narrative on women is not just a shift in perspective but a much-needed recognition of the silent sacrifices and immense courage of women in wartime.

Also read: Book Review: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Book Review: The Great Alone

What is The Women by Kristin Hannah about?

The Women by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set during the Vietnam War. It focuses on the experiences of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman who volunteers as an Army nurse. The book highlights the struggles and bravery of military nurses working under fire, the emotional and psychological toll of war, and the challenges women faced both on the battlefield and when they returned home. Through vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, The Women sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions and sacrifices of women during the Vietnam War.

The story begins in 1966 with Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a sheltered San Diego debutante inspired to enlist as an Army nurse after her older brother departs for Vietnam. Frankie’s initial motivation is simple: “Women can be heroes, too,” she tells herself, echoing a sentiment that is often sidelined in historical recountings of war. However, her idealism is quickly shattered by the brutal realities of the battlefield. Dumped into the chaos without adequate training, Frankie must navigate the horrors of war, relying on the mentorship of seasoned nurses and battle-scarred doctors who push her to overcome her fears.

“We were the last believers, my generation. We trusted what our parents taught us about right and wrong, good and evil, the American myth of equality and justice and honor. I wonder if any generation will ever believe again. People will say it was the war that shattered our lives and laid bare the beautiful lie we’d been taught. And they’d be right. And wrong. There was so much more. It’s hard to see clearly when the world is angry and divided and you’re being lied to.”
― Kristin Hannah, The Women

Hannah masterfully immerses readers into the chaotic miseries of the combat zone. From performing emergency tracheotomies during mortar attacks to sipping Fresca in the O Club, the vivid details plunge the reader into the 1960s Vietnam setting. The author’s meticulous research is evident as she recreates the historical scenery with earnest authenticity. The juxtaposition of life-saving medical procedures against the backdrop of rock and roll hits from the Doors, the Beatles, and the Turtles adds an evocative layer to the narrative, grounding it firmly in its time.

Frankie’s journey from a naïve volunteer to a seasoned trauma nurse is both compelling and heart-wrenching. She confronts the gut-wrenching sights of war, rages against the naïve indifference of her family back home, and navigates the complexities of love in a war zone. Her character embodies the resilience and courage that many women had to summon in the face of unimaginable horrors. Hannah does not shy away from depicting the emotional and psychological toll of war, painting a poignant picture of the lasting scars carried by those who served.

“Love. A thing to be shouted from the rooftops, celebrated, not cultivated in secret and clipped into shape in the dark.”
― Kristin Hannah, The Women

One of Hannah’s strengths in The Women is her ability to hook readers from catastrophe to catastrophe, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Even as the narrative occasionally loses momentum after Frankie’s second tour, Hannah’s deft storytelling keeps readers invested in the characters’ fates. The plot twists, though sometimes strained, reflect the tumultuous reality of veterans struggling to find their way in a world that has moved on without them.

What stands out in The Women is not necessarily a radical reshaping of the Vietnam War narrative but rather a vivid affirmation of it through a different lens. Hannah’s portrayal of women’s experiences in Vietnam fills a significant gap in historical fiction. The novel’s emotional depth and historical accuracy provide a moving tribute to the unsung heroes of the war. Over dinner, when I described the book to my college-age daughter, her immediate interest reminded me of the enduring relevance of these stories.

“From here, the war was almost beautiful. Maybe that was a fundamental truth: War looked one way for those who saw it from a safe distance. Close up, the view was different”
― Kristin Hannah, The Women

Frankie’s return home is marked by a profound sense of alienation. The reception she receives is a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome her male counterparts might have expected. The prevailing narrative that “there were no women in Vietnam” adds a layer of emotional trauma to her experience. Frankie’s parents, emotionally constipated and bound by societal expectations, refuse to acknowledge her service, pushing her back into the role of a privileged, sheltered daughter. This dismissal of women’s contributions and experiences is a central theme that Hannah explores with unflinching honesty.

The novel’s portrayal of friendship forged in the crucible of war is another powerful element. Frankie’s bond with her fellow nurses, Barb and Ethel, becomes a lifeline, pulling her through the darkest moments. These relationships underscore the theme of solidarity and the unique challenges faced by women in combat zones. Hannah’s exploration of these dynamics adds a rich, emotional layer to the narrative, highlighting the strength and resilience of women supporting each other in the face of adversity.

Hannah’s narrative technique is immersive, often making readers feel as though they are experiencing the events alongside the characters. Her ability to evoke strong emotional responses is reminiscent of her previous works, such as The Nightingale and The Great Alone. Readers will find themselves crying with Frankie, fearing for her safety, and rooting for her as she fights to reclaim her life after the war.

“Maybe happy now, happy for a moment, is all we really get. Happy forever seems a shitload to ask in a world on fire.”
― Kristin Hannah, The Women

The Women by Kristin Hannah is a powerful and poignant addition to the canon of Vietnam War literature. By centering the narrative on the experiences of women, Hannah not only fills a significant gap in historical fiction but also offers a fresh and moving perspective on the war’s impact. Her meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the Vietnam era to life, making this novel a compelling read for anyone interested in historical fiction, women’s stories, or the Vietnam War. Hannah’s ability to evoke empathy and emotional investment in her characters ensures that The Women will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

For those who enjoyed The Women, similar reads include Flying Angels by Danielle Steel, The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, and The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. Each of these novels, like Hannah’s, offers a profound exploration of war’s impact on individuals, particularly women, and provides a rich tapestry of historical and emotional insights.