I was excited when my book club decided to read Kristin Hannah’s book The Women. To be honest, I didn’t know what it was about but having read some of Hannah’s books previously, I was certain it would be well-researched historical fiction.
The Women is a well written, compelling story of Frances “Frankie” McGrath who struggled as a young woman to understand hers and other females’ place in society. She starved for positive approval from her father, beyond being a pretty and intelligent socialite. Frankie wanted equal recognition from her ultra-conservative father as her brother who had enlisted to fight for his country in the Vietnam war.
Frankie followed in her brother’s path and enlisted — she in the Army Nurse Corps. She was unprepared for the horrors of war. Men who had returned early on were heroes. Women could be heroes, too. Yet what she encountered, the hardships she endured, and even worse, the treatment she received upon returning were more harrowing than she ever could imagine.
The story takes you through her experiences in Vietnam and continues through years of trauma after she returns home. It chronicles the importance of female friendships. Her courage and idealism eventually defined an era.
The Women, although set in the 1960s and years later, is relevant today. How are women treated? Is equality possible? Can Americans come together in time of trauma? Will we ever understand the reason for engaging in military conflict and the ultimate sacrifice of those who serve? Do we even want to learn?
When I read historical fiction I ponder what I can do as an individual to avoid the same mistakes we made in our past. For those who are moved by historical fiction and who are willing to consider how history repeats itself if we fail to step up, pay attention, and make positive strides towards higher morals and values, this book is one of those must reads.
Or, if you just like a gripping story that highlights past events, you may enjoy reading The Women.
Silver Sage Sisters 