Synopsis:
When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these unexpected words, it is a revelation. Raised on idyllic Coronado Island and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing, being a good girl. But in 1965 the world is changing, and she suddenly imagines a different choice for her life. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed and politically divided America.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on the story of all women who put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has all too often been forgotten. A novel of searing insight and lyric beauty, The Women is a profoundly emotional, richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose extraordinary idealism and courage under fire define a generation.
Love, love, love!!!! Thank you, Kristin Hannah, for bringing attention to the voices that were never recognized.
As a history nerd and former World History teacher (now I teach AP Econ and AP Gov), you tend to get entrapped in all the dates, names, and events. Sometimes, sticking to curriculums or teaching to a state test can take away from the untold stories, especially upon returning home and the transition back to post-war society. I love historical fiction for this reason – to get inside the trials and tribulations of those who were involved so I can understand the emotions and aftermath of events that we only glaze over in schools.
The Vietnam War, in my opinion, is one that is taught in schools but only through a lens of all the events that took place during the 1960s and 1970s. It is a time when students love to dress like a hippie or watch Forest and Bubba fight in Forrest Gump. You see the pictures in textbooks but do you know the stories? It is also one of those wars that you tread lightly when it comes to inviting public speakers to speak to students because of the psychological impact it had on those involved.
This novel gives a glimpse of every aspect of the war but all through the eyes of a woman who joined to provide medical services as a nurse. Throughout the book, you are truly able to feel the emotions through Frankie (main character). You understand the friendships formed and the psychological struggles upon her return. You feel the frustration and anger with her as she seeks help for PTSD but turned away because “women weren’t in Vietnam.” You feel the anger of betrayals and the innocence lost. Below is probably my favorite quote that really sums up a lot:
“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…”
On this Memorial Day, when Americans remember all those who died when their nation called them to serve, I think there is no better way to celebrate than reading this book. I would also hope that those who spat on soldiers returning from Vietnam or any conflict now would find shame and remorse at what they did. Regardless of your stance on a conflict, those who selflessly and sacrificially serve our nation deserve more. Let’s not forget.
Happy Reading!
P.S. I just want to document that I totally called the ending! 🙂
————————-SPOILERS LISTED BELOW. DON’T READ BELOW THIS LINE IF YOU HAVE NOT READ BOOK.————
- I appreciate Hannah not making Frankie into a woman who slept with married me (pardon the language but let’s just put it bluntly). She could have easily let her sleep with Jamie even after she found out he was married. But she didn’t. Now, I know what you are saying…Rye…next point…
- Rye – first…he manipulated her who was very fragile in her state. What a jerk! Even upon his return, he manipulated her as if he was divorcing his wife. Now, yes, one may say Frankie should not have had a relationship with him until the divorce was final. I think, though, her issues with relationships play into her whole issue of dealing with her transition back to society and the lack of support from her family. But Rye – ugh!!!! You may have wished she did not put that story line in the novel but let’s be real…you know there are numerous stories like that. I know of a similar personal story directly connected to my family (not with Vietnam but similar). So yea, I think the entire “Rye” storyline fit into the overall narrative.
- Frankie’s parents – I totally saw Loralei’s parents from Gilmore Girls.
- When Jamie supposedly “died,” I typed in my notes the following: Jamie survives and wife leaves him/divorced due to disability. Jamie and McGrath will marry. Totally Danielle Steel.” Ok, reflecting…maybe not “totally” but I have read enough of her previous books (years ago) to predict that one. LOL
- Frankie’s Montana farm for veteran women – although I was not predicting this, I do think it fits. Why? Because there is a story behind many transition/help places. I thought of Betty Ford and her foundation to help substance abuse people.
- “Mother’s Little Helper” – y’all, I have never heard of women, especially housewives, being prescribed valium to ease her boredom. How sad that the medical field treated women this way. I am by no means a feminist but this just seems unethical. Here is a great article about the “chill pill” (click to access).
- Hmmmmm….I know there are some more thoughts I wanted to share but will just continually add as I think of them. LOL
