My rating: 4.5/5
An exemplary tale of the widely overlooked component of the Vietnam War, The Women, by Kristin Hannah is a candid, emotionally charged depiction of the impact that women made during the Vietnam War. Specifically, the military nurses that heroically served by treating and saving the lives of innumerable wounded military men in combat, as well as the innocent local villagers who were greatly afflicted by the devastation of the war.
The Women is an astonishing novel, that centers on main character Frankie McGrath, a young woman who grew up with privilege and wealth. Raised within the confines of Southern California surrounded by local elites and parents who idolized their social standing, Frankie makes a decision that goes against their idealistic plans for her, and joins the Army Nurse Corps. She intends to utilize her nursing skills impactfully, and to follow her recently deployed older brother to Vietnam. Upon arrival she is immediately shocked by the horror of combat, the intensity of violence, the gruesome war wounds, and the senseless mass deaths of American soldiers. The experience removes the veil of privilege from her eyes and changes her life forever. Her return home is hopeful, as she is expecting a warm welcome, yet she is faced with the tumultuous climate in America, that is filled with protests, rebellion, governmental deceptions, and a society who despised the Vietnam War and is participants. The country’s harsh lack of acknowledgement of women who served in Vietnam, and her parents disapproving opinions of her involvement in the war fills Frankie with a burning fury that threatens to destroy her life.
The Women is an exceptional story, with a cast of diverse memorable characters. The novel is plot and character driven, with elements of romance, violence, and restoration. The setting of the story is exceptionally depicted with candid descriptions of the brutalities of the war. The narration is profoundly immersive and adequately paced. Sadly, most widely familiar documentaries about the Vietnam War fail to mention the contributions that women made during the war. This novel is a beautiful depiction of their sacrifices and their heroic acts that saved many lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I look forward to reading more work by Kristin Hannah.
#Historicalfiction #militaryfiction #fiction
