Kristin Hannah delves deeply into the Vietnam War in The Women. I was living in a different country during this era and although some of the news covered the war, we were somewhat sheltered and I didn't realize the full impact until I visited the Vietnam War Memorial with nearly 60,000 names of the fallen etched into black granite. Wars are never a good solution, but this one seemed so senseless. And sadly the women who were nurses, worked for the Red Cross and many other services were not recognized. The Women is definitely going on my list of favorite books for this year.
Twenty year old nursing student Frances McGrath was raised in the idyllic world of Southern California but when her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam she imagines a different future for herself.
Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war when she arrives in Vietnam. But when she returns home the real battle begins with protestors, people spitting and shouting at those returning home and the nightmares that follow. The novel is about deep friendships and shines a light on women who put themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice is often forgotten.