Read by Karen & Rowena; A very powerful and gripping novel set during the 1960's, the Vietnam war and the years that followed in America. Following extraordinary journey of a young inexperienced nurse, Frances "Frankie" McGrath, who enlists in the Army Nurse Corps.
Frankie is plunged into the chaos, death and brutality of war. Overwhelmed Frankie survives with the expectations and comradeship of fellow medics. Following a two term service, Frankie returns to family & friends in America, more unexpected trauma follows as she attempts to resettle. There was no welcome home for Veterans and many suffered irreparable damage.
This story is incredibly well researched, we found it a fascinating look at the incredible work undertaken by dedicated women operating in brutal conditions.
A very emotional read, that we highly recommend.
"A dramatic, vividly detailed reconstruction of a little-known aspect of the Vietnam War."
Goodreads 2024 Readers Favourite Historical Fiction Winner - 253,147 votes
The Women is a story of devastating loss and epic love.
It is both an intimate portrait of a woman coming of age in a dangerous time and a story of a nation divided by war. It would be the journey of a lifetime . . . 'Women can be heroes, too'.
When twenty-year-old nursing student, Frances "Frankie" McGrath, hears these unexpected words, it is a revelation. Raised on California's 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 path for her life.
When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows his path. As green and inexperienced as the young 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 America.
Frankie will also discover the true value of female friendship and the heartbreak that love can cause.
The Women is the story of one woman who goes 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 been all too often forgotten.
A novel of searing insight and lyrical beauty, The Women is a profoundly emotional, richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose extraordinary idealism and courage under fire define an era.
Kristin Hannah is an award-winning and bestselling author celebrated for her deeply emotional and beautifully crafted novels. With a background in law, Kristin turned to writing and has since become one of the most beloved voices in contemporary and historical fiction.
Paperback, 480 pages
H: 197mm W: 131mm Spine: 29mm
Weight: 322 grams