I didn’t read my first Kristin Hannah book until last year when I picked up “The Nightingale.” While this is only my second book by this author, I think she may be a new favorite of mine. While “The Nightingale” transported us to France during WWII, in “The Women,” readers are transported back to the tumultuous era of the 1960s, and we witness the transformation of a young, sheltered woman into a fearless hero.

Raised in the picturesque and sheltered world of Southern California by conservative parents, Frankie always prided herself on following the rules and doing what was expected of her. But times were changing, and women’s roles had begun to evolve. Wanting more, Frankie decides to take her life into her own hands. Her family has always placed a lot of value and pride on the men in the family who fought in past wars. When her brother enlists to fight in Vietnam, Frankie decides to put her nursing degree to use and follows in his footsteps, joining the Army Nurse Corps.

As Frankie arrives in Vietnam, she is completely out of her element. She had no idea how intense war would be. The terror, the loss, the life and death (so much death) decisions threaten to push her over the edge, and she can’t help but wonder why the US government and its media outlets aren’t being honest about not only the number of soldiers lost, but the sheer brutality of what is happening on the war front.

Luckily, Frankie has fellow nurses Ethel and Barb on her side, and together, the three of them form an unbreakable bond. Frankie becomes a fearless nurse, sometimes risking her life to help soldiers who have been wounded and comforting those who cannot be saved.

But the war is merely the beginning of Frankie’s journey. As she and her veteran friends return home to a divided America, they face a new battle. The protests, anger, and desire to forget Vietnam leave Frankie grappling with her own sense of purpose and identity. Frankie is disrespected by her country and also turned away by the VA. When she seeks counseling, they tell her that “women didn’t fight in Vietnam,” so no, she can’t use their services. All of this sheds light on the forgotten sacrifices and commitment of all women who put themselves in harm’s way for their country.

This is a very emotional and, at times, frustrating book. The author delves deep into the emotional turmoil Frankie faces, capturing the intensity of her experiences, both on the battlefield and upon her return home. I knew that the Vietnam War really did a number on our country and that Vietnam veterans have been (and in some cases still are) treated very poorly, even after everything they endured. That said, I had no idea that the women who were in Vietnam were treated even worse. It’s very eye-opening and reminds us of how awful war really is and how pathetic and clueless the power-hungry men who orchestrate wars are.

As I said earlier, this is an emotional read, but what I really loved about this one was the exploration of the relationships formed between Frankie, Ethel, and Barbara. These friendships are beautifully depicted and really ground the narrative. Hannah effortlessly captures the bond between these women, emphasizing their shared experiences and unwavering support for one another in Vietnam and the years following.

Intricately woven and emotionally charged, this is a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It will make you sad and angry, but it will also give you hope; there really isn’t an emotion that you don’t feel while reading this book. This is one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I will not be surprised if I see this book at the top of many “best of” lists this year.

5 stars