The Women

A Novel

By: Kristin Hannah

Narrated by: Julia Whelan, Kristin Hannah

Length: 14 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

"Kristin Hannah’s potent storytelling skills are brilliantly served by narrator Julia Whelan, whose limber, low-pitched voice moves nimbly from person to person, capturing personality and mood, her empathy palpable."—The Washington Post

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 overwhelmed 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.

©2024 Kristin Hannah (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Great story

I’m a huge fan of Kristin Hannah and Julia Whelan. I never write reviews but this was a phenomenal book. I’ve been waiting for this book to come out for months. It’s an awesome story about kick-ass women and the hardship of the Vietnam War - before, during, after. Listening to the post-war experiences in this story was also incredible.

I love Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction. She is consistently great. And Julia Whelan could narrate the dictionary and I’d listen. I anticipate I’ll be re-listening to this book because it’s such a powerful, engaging story.

WOW. Just Wow

I’m 73 now which means I grew up in this era. I REMEMBER it all. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry and sometimes both at once. I’m an avid reader and I can say without a doubt this has been the best book I have ever read and will never forget. Thank you for your service

A history and characters that keep the reader interested and caring

A well written history of the role of Army nurses particular both sacrifes during the Vietnam War and their troubles upon return to an ungrateful nation. A fantastic read

Raw

This is a raw gut twisting story of truth. I will give nothing away other then to say it is my most highly recommended book in years. Just tore me up .

MY GOD ❤️ 😭

Thank you Kristin Hannah for blessing this world with the gift to write. Every time I read or listen to one of your stories I think, this was the best book I have ever read. May I also add that audio books are one of my favorite ways to “read” and Julia Whalen is simply the most incredibly talented performer I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Together the two of you dominate in storytelling. I laughed. I cried. I cried some more. Hell, I am crying now. This book hit me so hard. We need our stories told. We need our girls to hear what we have survived for them. So they can pick up the torch and keep up the fight and to never give up. We will all survive together. Thank you thank you thank you ❤️😭⭐️🇺🇸👩‍⚕️

Best story line I have read

If I could give it a 10 star I would . She never fails and this book will stay with me forever

Amazing

I was young during the war & truly didn’t understand. This book was a real eye opener & made me appreciate the men & women who sacrificed and serviced our country. Once I started listening to this book I couldn’t leave it alone! Thanks for a truly great read!

Get the tissues out

This novel was written in a way that the reader is transported back to that time in history. I was born in 1970 and my oldest brother went to Vietnam. He came back home the day I was born and always mentioned that he had to walk 2 days after coming back because no one would give him a ride. I never really understood what that meant until now. But the women….they were forgotten in this war. This is a story that needed to be written. Great work!

Her time in the war.

My husband was there in 68-69 and it helped me to understand what he went through and dealing with ptsd. Thank you so much!

Raw & poignant

What a read. I was a child in the ‘60’s & this book brought out so many emotions. Thank you for writing it!