The Women by Kristin Hannah

Women can be heroes is the theme of Kristin Hannah’s newest novel, The Women. Since men’s experiences dominate history books, women are often absent from the depictions of war. In this novel, Hannah seeks to acknowledge and highlight the courageous and competent women who served in the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. With a few exceptions, these women who nursed and saved US soldiers have been relegated to the fringes of history.

This story focuses on 21-year-old Frankie McGrath, who enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps in 1965. Frankie is from San Diego, California, and decides somewhat impetuously to follow her brother’s example and serve her country in Vietnam. Had she stayed in her hometown, her conservative parents expected her to find a husband and have children. What Frankie experiences in Vietnam is gruesome and terrifying. But with the support of numerous nurses and doctors, she adapts to the barrage of injured and dead soldiers helicoptered into her evacuation hospitals in the jungle. 

As harrowing as being a nurse in Vietnam was, her return to the United States was even more treacherous. Many Americans criticized enlisted soldiers for participating in a morally unconscionable war. Even fellow Army vets would not acknowledge that women served in Vietnam. Frankie was traumatized by what she saw in Vietnam, but the dismissive way she was treated when she returned was its own kind of trauma. Her family didn’t want to hear about her experience and even other Veterans refused to recognize her service. Months after her return, she descends into a dark place. 

This novel is a quick and informative read. Hannah’s research brings the details of Frankie’s Vietnam experience to life. Unfortunately, many characters are not fully developed and the romantic ending is a bit unrealistic. But those facts don’t diminish the importance of chronicling and celebrating the contributions of the brave women who served in Vietnam and Hannah has done just that. 4/5