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The Women: A Novel Hardcover – February 6, 2024
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A #1 bestseller on The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times!
From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women―at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.
Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets―and becomes one of―the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
- Print length480 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSt. Martin's Press
- Publication dateFebruary 6, 2024
- Dimensions6.55 x 1.45 x 9.55 inches
- ISBN-101250178630
- ISBN-13978-1250178633
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- Thank God for girlfriends. In this crazy, chaotic, divided world that was run by men, you could count on the women.Highlighted by 12,335 Kindle readers
- Maybe happy now, happy for a moment, is all we really get. Happy forever seems a shitload to ask in a world on fire.Highlighted by 11,216 Kindle readers
- I imagine it would feel wonderful to be good at something that mattered. That is something that too many of the women of my generation didn’t consider.Highlighted by 8,884 Kindle readers
- The world changes for men, Frances. For women, it stays pretty much the same.Highlighted by 7,534 Kindle readers
- This war has … stretched the generation gap so wide that it threatens to pull the country apart. —FRANK CHURCHHighlighted by 480 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Hannah again shines her light on overlooked women in history" ―People Magazine (Book of the Week)
"Hannah is in top form here... Hannah’s real superpower is her ability to hook you along from catastrophe to catastrophe, sometimes peering between your fingers, because you simply cannot give up on her characters. She gathers women into the (Vietnam) experience with moving conviction." ―The New York Times
“The Women is historical fiction at its very best. So moving, so wrenching, and yet, in the end, uplifting. Brava! I loved The Nightingale and The Four Winds, but The Women is my favorite.” ―Nicholas D. Kristof, Pulitzer Prize–winning coauthor of Half the Sky
“One of the greatest storytellers of our time, Kristin Hannah, tackles one of the most cruel and despicable wars of the last century, the Vietnam War. The Women reveals the powerful contributions and horrific sacrifices of the American military nurses who served in a war whose agencies refused to acknowledge that they were even there. Perhaps no words can bring closure to a nation still ashamed of booing our returning heroes, but the heroine, Frances McGrath, stirs a deep, overdue compassion and tears for every single soldier―and especially the forgotten women who sacrificed so much. Never has a novel of war metamorphosed so profoundly into a story of the human heart.” ―Delia Owens, author of Where the Crawdads Sing
“Stuns with sacrifice; uplifts with heroism . . . an important, long overdue tribute to the brave women nurses who served in Vietnam.” ―Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry
"Hannah’s emotionally charged page-turner (after The Four Winds) centers on a young nurse whose life is changed by the Vietnam War. Fans of women’s historicals will enjoy this magnetic wartime story." ―Publishers Weekly
"Many would say that the nurses who helped fight the Vietnam War were forgotten. Believe me, for those of us who were there, these women were never forgotten--and never will be. Kristin Hannah honors them with this novel." --Karl Marlantes, author of Matterhorn
"Hannah enjoys the authorial reach to educate legions of readers about the significant subjects she dramatizes. In doing so she demonstrates that, just like the women she writes about, she deserves to be recognized." -Minneapolis Star Tribune
"A moving, gripping tale that pays tribute to the under-appreciated skill and courage of combat nurses." --Booklist, starred review
"Hannah tells the story of real but unsung heroes" --Washington Post
"Enough time has passed that most people acknowledge the individual heroism that took place in Vietnam, even though history doesn't look kindly on the war itself," he wrote. "People over there did things that we can ― and should ― be proud of. That's one reason why I'm glad to see a book like 'The Women' doing so well. It's a beautifully written tribute to a group of veterans who deserve more appreciation for the incredible sacrifices they made." --Bill Gates
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : St. Martin's Press; American First edition (February 6, 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 480 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250178630
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250178633
- Item Weight : 1.55 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.55 x 1.45 x 9.55 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #24 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author
Kristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels. Her newest novel, The Women, about the nurses who served in the Vietnam war, will be released on February 6, 2024.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
In 2018, The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
In 2015, The Nightingale became an international blockbuster and was Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People's Choice award for best fiction in the same year. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week.
The Nightingale is currently in pre-production at Tri Star. Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and moving. They describe the emotional content as heart-wrenching, gripping, and personal. Readers praise the writing quality as well-done and easy to read. The book provides insightful information about the human experience during the war. The characters are described as rich and well-developed, with the author perfectly describing their emotions. Overall, customers appreciate the strength of the characters and their ability to understand the pain they endured.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as a real, important, and masterpiece. Readers say the author gets right into the story and doesn't keep them waiting.
"...of Vietnam to the challenges of coming home to a divided America—is powerful and heartbreaking...." Read more
"...edge of your seat tension like a thriller, and it is an absolutely must read for everyone! Please don't let this one pass you by...." Read more
"...Hannah's story is thoroughly researched. Her depiction of war torn Vietnam is riveting. One turns the pages to end the war as soon as possible...." Read more
"...Kristen's story was made even more intense and powerful as she vividly described Frankie's arrival in Veitnam during a red alert...." Read more
Customers find the book compelling and engaging. It draws them into the story and opens their eyes to the devastation faced by Vietnam Vets. The details are vivid, and the book keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
"...I’ve always loved historical fiction, and this book really hit home...." Read more
"...Or how women were treated that were veterans in this war. That was eye-opening and heart wrenching, but sadly not surprising...." Read more
"...It covers so much ground, both historically and emotionally, I almost want to read it again right now." Read more
"...Hannah's story is thoroughly researched. Her depiction of war torn Vietnam is riveting. One turns the pages to end the war as soon as possible...." Read more
Customers find the book gripping and emotional. They describe it as a heartwarming story of love and trials. The author brings the era to life in a way that feels personal and real. Readers feel deeply connected to Frankie and her struggles.
"...Kristin Hannah brought this era to life in a way that felt personal and real, focusing on a story I hadn’t seen told often enough: the experiences..." Read more
"...It covers so much ground, both historically and emotionally, I almost want to read it again right now." Read more
"...but I believe at least for myself, I came out better mentally and emotionally for having read The Women." Read more
"...This book was heart riveting, heartbreaking, heartwarming everything. I hope it wins the book of the year it is wonderful...." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They say it's understandable and that it will translate well to screen.
"...is cinematic and that is how I know this book is going to translate so well to screen. How can it not with the foundation she has provided them??..." Read more
"Ladies you must order this book. Kristen Hannah is amazing in her description of the setting of the characters, you can just picture yourself right..." Read more
"...It is written with deep understanding and a caring and meaningful purpose...." Read more
"...They were outstanding professionals and extraordinarily compassionate, but they also had walls around their emotions...." Read more
Customers find the book informative and insightful. They describe it as a true-to-life story that sheds light on what really happened during the terrible war. The book helps readers understand what men and women endured and brings awareness to those forgotten.
"...If you’re into historical fiction that’s emotional, raw, and inspiring, I think you’d love this book...." Read more
"...This novel is no exception. She is thorough, thoughtful, creative and factual in covering the Viet Nam experience from both inside and outside...." Read more
"...The characters in The Women were well-developed and relatable...." Read more
"This was a hugely educative book, highlighting the role of some 10,000 American women involved in the Vietnam war, and whose stories and..." Read more
Customers find the characters convincing and diverse. The storytelling effectively captures each character's emotions and feelings. They can visualize the characters, settings, mood, and feel the characters' pain right from page one.
"...Frankie McGrath is such a memorable character...." Read more
"...I also loved the character Barb who gave the black perspective of the 1970’s. It was a masterpiece! I highly recommend this book 📖!..." Read more
"...It pulled me right into the story and kept me there. The characters are the kind of people that I would like to know...." Read more
"For me a page turner. The history,action, and vibrant characters tell a story that all citizens should remember...." Read more
Customers find the book a powerful story of bravery, courage, and dedication. They praise the author's raw writing style and consider it an outstanding masterpiece. The book is described as bittersweet and heroic, portraying the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
"...This book is more than just a war story. It’s about friendship, resilience, and trying to find your place in a world that feels completely changed...." Read more
"...have restored my faith in humanity, but it's definitely strengthened my faith in women." Read more
"This exceptional story recounts the strength, dedication and determination of our sisters who lived, loved and served during these divisive years...." Read more
"...The heroism, friendship and devastation of the women in this book touched my soul...." Read more
Customers find the book authentic and believable. They say it's well-researched and accurate. The story has a soap opera-esque quality that makes it compelling. Readers describe it as a masterfully crafted account of the Vietnam War.
"...Kristin Hannah brought this era to life in a way that felt personal and real, focusing on a story I hadn’t seen told often enough: the experiences..." Read more
"...This novel is no exception. She is thorough, thoughtful, creative and factual in covering the Viet Nam experience from both inside and outside...." Read more
"...Finally, I know this is a book of fiction, but there are parts that are taken from real life. Most POWs came home and blended back into society...." Read more
"...A very raw and real and at times frustrating read. The characters she created, Frankie, Ethel, Barb, Jamie and others were so wonderfully done...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024Reading The Women felt like stepping back in time to the turbulent 1960s, a period I remember from my own junior high and high school years. I’ve always loved historical fiction, and this book really hit home. Kristin Hannah brought this era to life in a way that felt personal and real, focusing on a story I hadn’t seen told often enough: the experiences of women in the Vietnam War.
Frankie McGrath is such a memorable character. She starts as this young, idealistic nursing student and grows into someone who faces the brutal realities of war head-on. Her journey—from the chaos of Vietnam to the challenges of coming home to a divided America—is powerful and heartbreaking. It’s not just about her experiences as a nurse; it’s about how the war changed her, her friends, and even the country she came back to.
What I loved most was how the book highlighted the courage of these women, whose sacrifices have often been overlooked. It made me think about how much women have contributed throughout history, even in spaces where their service wasn’t fully acknowledged. Frankie’s story is fictional, but it shines a light on the real women who lived it.
This book is more than just a war story. It’s about friendship, resilience, and trying to find your place in a world that feels completely changed. Kristin Hannah did a fantastic job showing the emotional weight these nurses carried—not just during the war, but long after it was over.
If you’re into historical fiction that’s emotional, raw, and inspiring, I think you’d love this book. For me, it was both a tribute to the past and a reminder of the strength it takes to push forward, even when the odds are stacked against you.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024Kristin Hannah is back, baby!!! In a world where The Nightingale is numero uno I am here to tell you The Women gives it a run for its money!
What an emotional rollercoaster ride! In true Hannah fashion, she rips your heart apart and mends it back together but with this one she did it to me several times. In a span of two pages, mine was pieced together just to be shattered again. But the ending. Oh my goodness. That ending. 🥺❤️
Historical fiction has always been a favorite of mine, but the last year or so I haven't really focused on it. I knew when I saw this book releasing I was going to read it and with the high praise I saw right off the bat even before its release, I had a feeling I, too, was going to love it. But I also was hesitant, because Historical Fiction hasn't been my go to lately. It can seem daunting to me at times. They are usually based on true stories and real people, so you know it is going to be an emotional ride. You just don't know if you are ready to embark on that journey or not. If you know what I am talking about or have felt similar, I am here to tell you, do not let that hold you back on reading this book! This book has the emotions of a romance novel, the edge of your seat tension like a thriller, and it is an absolutely must read for everyone! Please don't let this one pass you by. Even if historical fiction is not your normal go to genre, I promise this one is worth it!
Hannah's writing is something magical. You are immediately hooked and transported to this world she has created on page one. In our world of reading books, there are good writers, there are bad writers, and then there are phenomenal writers. And Kristin Hannah, my friends, is a phenomenal writer!! When you read her books, you are seeing the words play out inside your head so easily, you feel like you are watching a movie. She is cinematic and that is how I know this book is going to translate so well to screen. How can it not with the foundation she has provided them?? (Yes, Warner Bros. has picked this up for a film! 🙌)
So many HF novels focus on WWII. I love those books just as much as the next person, but it is so refreshing to get a different time period, especially from a queen like Hannah. I know nothing of the Vietnam War. I do remember seeing footage of how some people reacted and their opinions of the war, but not to the depths this book takes you on. Or how women were treated that were veterans in this war. That was eye-opening and heart wrenching, but sadly not surprising.
Yes, this felt personally for me. As a nurse and a former ICU nurse, I love when we get a protagonist that is also in my field. But this book gutted me and made it feel like Hannah personally dug deep into my soul and stirred up feelings I had buried down deep with this one. I was wrecked. Like sitting in a Mexican restaurant with people all around with tears streaming down my face wrecked while reading this book. I can't tell you the last time a book emotionally wrecked me like this one did. Now I am not saying everyone will have that visceral reaction. In fact most probably won't, but I am just telling you that is the response this book got from me. 😅 As usual, I went in blind not knowing what this book was about. I saw high praise and great feedback so I was excited, but like I said earlier I wasn't expecting this response from reading it.
If you'd like to know a short synopsis of the book, it centers around a combat nurse, Frankie, who as recently graduated from nursing school, and despite her parents' protests and disappointment she has joined the Army to assist as a combat nurse in the Vietnam War. You watch Frankie transform from a naive, young girl who is in way over her head into a straight rockstar and that is something I think everyone in our field can relate to despite all of us not being in a similar predicament she is in.
It is divided into two parts. Frankie's experience during the war and when she comes home. That was another unique take that I appreciated from the author. So many books stay in the combat part of war. Rarely have I read one where you go with the protagonist when they come back home and deal with the "After" part. There are some triggers, so if you want to know more about those feel free to reach out!
I've never read a book centered around the Vietnam War, so I am extremely grateful Hannah chose this time period to write this amazing novel. And if you haven't gathered it already, I highly recommend this book for everyone. You are simply doing yourself a disservice if you skip over it. Period.
**Also fun fact and as if i couldn't love this book anymore, my name made an appearance in the book. Granted it was spelled different (Celine), but it was still a pleasant surprise. ☺️
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing! An easily, well deserved 5 star read!Kristin Hannah is back, baby!!! In a world where The Nightingale is numero uno I am here to tell you The Women gives it a run for its money!
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
What an emotional rollercoaster ride! In true Hannah fashion, she rips your heart apart and mends it back together but with this one she did it to me several times. In a span of two pages, mine was pieced together just to be shattered again. But the ending. Oh my goodness. That ending. 🥺❤️
Historical fiction has always been a favorite of mine, but the last year or so I haven't really focused on it. I knew when I saw this book releasing I was going to read it and with the high praise I saw right off the bat even before its release, I had a feeling I, too, was going to love it. But I also was hesitant, because Historical Fiction hasn't been my go to lately. It can seem daunting to me at times. They are usually based on true stories and real people, so you know it is going to be an emotional ride. You just don't know if you are ready to embark on that journey or not. If you know what I am talking about or have felt similar, I am here to tell you, do not let that hold you back on reading this book! This book has the emotions of a romance novel, the edge of your seat tension like a thriller, and it is an absolutely must read for everyone! Please don't let this one pass you by. Even if historical fiction is not your normal go to genre, I promise this one is worth it!
Hannah's writing is something magical. You are immediately hooked and transported to this world she has created on page one. In our world of reading books, there are good writers, there are bad writers, and then there are phenomenal writers. And Kristin Hannah, my friends, is a phenomenal writer!! When you read her books, you are seeing the words play out inside your head so easily, you feel like you are watching a movie. She is cinematic and that is how I know this book is going to translate so well to screen. How can it not with the foundation she has provided them?? (Yes, Warner Bros. has picked this up for a film! 🙌)
So many HF novels focus on WWII. I love those books just as much as the next person, but it is so refreshing to get a different time period, especially from a queen like Hannah. I know nothing of the Vietnam War. I do remember seeing footage of how some people reacted and their opinions of the war, but not to the depths this book takes you on. Or how women were treated that were veterans in this war. That was eye-opening and heart wrenching, but sadly not surprising.
Yes, this felt personally for me. As a nurse and a former ICU nurse, I love when we get a protagonist that is also in my field. But this book gutted me and made it feel like Hannah personally dug deep into my soul and stirred up feelings I had buried down deep with this one. I was wrecked. Like sitting in a Mexican restaurant with people all around with tears streaming down my face wrecked while reading this book. I can't tell you the last time a book emotionally wrecked me like this one did. Now I am not saying everyone will have that visceral reaction. In fact most probably won't, but I am just telling you that is the response this book got from me. 😅 As usual, I went in blind not knowing what this book was about. I saw high praise and great feedback so I was excited, but like I said earlier I wasn't expecting this response from reading it.
If you'd like to know a short synopsis of the book, it centers around a combat nurse, Frankie, who as recently graduated from nursing school, and despite her parents' protests and disappointment she has joined the Army to assist as a combat nurse in the Vietnam War. You watch Frankie transform from a naive, young girl who is in way over her head into a straight rockstar and that is something I think everyone in our field can relate to despite all of us not being in a similar predicament she is in.
It is divided into two parts. Frankie's experience during the war and when she comes home. That was another unique take that I appreciated from the author. So many books stay in the combat part of war. Rarely have I read one where you go with the protagonist when they come back home and deal with the "After" part. There are some triggers, so if you want to know more about those feel free to reach out!
I've never read a book centered around the Vietnam War, so I am extremely grateful Hannah chose this time period to write this amazing novel. And if you haven't gathered it already, I highly recommend this book for everyone. You are simply doing yourself a disservice if you skip over it. Period.
**Also fun fact and as if i couldn't love this book anymore, my name made an appearance in the book. Granted it was spelled different (Celine), but it was still a pleasant surprise. ☺️
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2025This author has never disappointed me. This novel is no exception. She is thorough, thoughtful, creative and factual in covering the Viet Nam experience from both inside and outside. This book brought back so many difficult memories. Hannah put a face to the sad overlooking of the incredible women who bravely worked in the face of danger and almost unimaginably bleak surroundings . It was very enlightening to learn that these women were so totally marginalized, neglected, and ignored. It covers so much ground, both historically and emotionally, I almost want to read it again right now.
Top reviews from other countries
- Elena Gonzalez GuerraReviewed in Mexico on January 4, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars La función de la mujer en la guerra de Vietnam
Excelente
- AnnetteReviewed in Canada on December 16, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Astounding.
This was possibly one of the best novels about the Vietnam War and it's aftermath that I have read. I found myself completely invested in the characters and their complex stories. Frankie was the perfect protagonist, an involved, empathetic woman who nearly lost herself in the process. Kristin Hannah has always been one of my favourite writers, but this book is exceptional. Thank you!
- Helena Gurjão Pinheiro do ValReviewed in Brazil on March 16, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Emotional
I admit I'm not an emotional reader. It takes a lot me make me shed tears while reading, but the ending of this book was surprisinly emotional for me. I love reading historical novels, but I knew little about the Vietnam War and its outcomes to the soldiers and nurses who ventured in there in service. A really good book that like many other that I've been reading, show the forgotten role of women in wars that marked a whole generation.
- Kim PReviewed in Italy on January 2, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, must read story of women nurses in Vietnam
This book was an eye opener of the heroic women nurses who served in the Vietnam war. It's historical fiction but the author did a great job on researching what the brave nurses went through. She gives a detailed description of what they saw and experienced while serving in the war. She also delves into these Veteran nurses experience upon returning to an ungrateful nation after their service. There was no support system for them at home and many people didn't believe they even served in Vietnam because everyone was told only men served. For me this book was very emotional. I lost my dad in the Vietnam war when I was 5 years old. I had to put this book down a few times because I couldn't read through the tears. This book showed me another side of the war that I hadn't really thought about. The Vietnam war affected so many lives. It had traumatic effects on those who served as well as the family members of the ones killed in action. I highly recommend this book!
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Germany on December 29, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartfelt Journey Through War and Healing
Kristin Hannah delivers an unforgettable journey with The Women. This novel captivated me from start to finish, and I'm not sure that I have the right words to describe it. The immersive writing of Frankie’s experience as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War was hitting deep, and the second half shed light on the challenges veterans faced upon returning to a divided America, a history I found heart-wrenching.
Frankie's personal growth is incredible, but it's the relationships she builds and the unforgettable side characters that truly elevate the story. For fans of historical fiction, even those who, like me, don’t read it often, this is a must-read. The Women is a beautifully written story that will stay with me for a long time.