REVIEW: The Women by Kristin Hannah

 

I admit, I'm partial to Kristin Hannah. I find her books entertaining (sometimes not so life changing), but definitely worth reading.  This book though - wow.

The protagonist is Francis "Frankie" McGrath, who hails from a wealthy family in California. She decides to enlist in the armed services as a nurse during Vietnam, following her brother, and, in so doing, leaves a very sheltered life to served in a war ravaged country. After serving multiple deployments, Frankie is sent home where she finds different kinds of battles that she must face. Many arrived home wounded, both mentally and physically, and sometimes faced derision by civilians. Frankie herself is spit at upon setting foot on American soil. Many turned to alcohol and drugs or both to cope.  

Frankie experienced that, but with an additional layer - she had to deal with the prevailing belief at the time that there were no women in Vietnam. In spite of the horrific experiences she had, Frankie was told that her experiences and observations were not real or valid as a result of that prevailing and mistaken belief. 

I loved this book and couldn't put it down.  While it was very difficult to read,  I got lost in Frankie's story.  It was one of the few books that has made me cry.  It was so easy to become immersed in the narrative. Definitely worth the read.