The Women: A Book Review

I don't know if I can find the words to describe how inspiring and heartbreaking this book is. I couldn't believe where Frankie's story took me. I learned so much about the Vietnam War, particularly about women's roles, and I couldn't believe how veterans, particularly women veterans, were received when they came home. This book is all about Frankie's journey in both worlds, and how both affected how she viewed herself and her life. 

While I didn't agree with some of Frankie's choices, I could definitely see why she made them. She is a deeply flawed character who went through SO MUCH, but she's also a woman just trying to do good in the world, even if the world hates her. She has stunning growth through this book, and I cried for her. 

Most of all, I love how this book made me think and reimagine history. I'm painfully not well-versed in the Vietnam War and its aftereffects, but this book went deep into the nitty gritty of it. It's emotional (what Kristin Hannah book isn't), and I can tell this book will leave a lasting effect on me. My only critiques are that it is a bit slow in the middle and I very much disagreed with one of Frankie's choices, so much so that it almost ruined her character for me. But overall, I really liked this book, and I think it's a mandatory read for every American.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the arc!

Release Date: February 6, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: detailed war violence, gore, and death (including children); medical procedures and surgeries described in detail; several fade to black scenes; pregnancy and miscarriage; cheating/an affair; drug and alcohol abuse; suicide attempts; car crash; near drowning; misogony

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