The Women: A Novel

Written by:
Kristin Hannah
Narrated by:
Julia Whelan , Kristin Hannah

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
265
Narrator
90
Release Date
February 2024
Duration
14 hours 57 minutes
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 over-whelmed 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.
Reviews
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Anonymous

Couldn’t put it down! So moving, painful and inspiring at the same time. Had no idea how overlooked women were. Very sad time in our history. Highly recommend this book

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Anonymous

I rarely give five stars, but this book is one of the best books I have read this year. Kristen Hannah tells a story that needed to be told.

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Anonymous

Kristin Hannah never fails!!

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Chris B.

Great book that captures the mood of the Viet Nam era and it’s aftermath through a compelling story.

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Anonymous

I was a child and a young teen during the war's active years, and Kristin Hannah's deft storytelling is helping me put into perspective the chaos of those turbulent times and the impact on me and my family.

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Sonia G.

I really enjoyed this book, great perspectives on the women in the war

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Anonymous

Excellent story and reader

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Carol M.

This was one of the best books that has come around in a long time. I thought I had it all figured out, but no. What a gut punch with a satisfying ending all at the same time.

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Connie

Excellent book from beginning to end. I definitely experienced a full range of emotions. No doubt, it will stay with me. I too wore a POW bracelet for years. Kept it even longer. Unfortunately it burned in a home fire. Though I was not in Vietnam, I did become a nurse. In part, because of it. This book evoked many bitter sweet memories of that time.

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Marla H.

On of the very best books I have read about Vietnam, women supporting each other, invisibility of women, love and the lasting effects of war. As always Hannah does an exceptional job of developing her characters while telling a historical story that must be remembered. Five stars to the author and narrator.

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Katfish

I could not stop listening to this book! Hannah does an amazing job capturing the complexities and nuances of our country’s war in Vietnam and the treatment of our returning military veterans. I had never really thought about the women in Vietnam, but their valor and service are brought to life in this fabulous novel.

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Anonymous

This book deserves a 5-star rating. One of the best books I’ve ever listened to (I listened to the audiobook). The story line was phenomenal and I learned so much about the Vietnam war and the women who served. The narrator, Julia Whelen, was spot on. I absolutely loved this book!!!

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James L.

As a veteran helicopter pilot in RVN with the 101st, I was very moved by her story! And, just as an aside, I flew quite a few "Doughnut Dollies". They were great volunteers.

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Tracy D.

The story was excellent. It brought back many memories of my childhood and you teens. The treatment the returning vets received was atrocious, especially for the women that served. I will encourage my daughters to read/ or listen to this story for both the history lesson and to see how far women have come and have to go. This was only my second audio book. It takes some getting used to. The voice distracted me from my visualization of the character.

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Anonymous

I loved it. I thought the book was very good, well written. Get my attention, the whole time. The narrator was wonderful, she made it seem so real, well spoken

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Jaclyn R.

It kept moving.

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MONIQUE O.

Fantastic, detailed writing and emotional story. Made me think of that time in our world.

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Kathy K.

This brings to life many of the hidden truths of the horrific Vietnam War. What a massive undertaking Kristin took on in writing this novel. Appreciate her bravery and her sensitivity to bringing to light real issue many wish were never brought to life. This is a great read…if you have the chance to visit the Vietnam dedications in DC this may even resonate more deeply with you. It certainly did for me…

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Anonymous

What an experience! It’s one of those books that stays with you…the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens. Layers of excellent storytelling is enhanced by a strong narrative voice. One of my favorite ‘listens’ to date! Mo

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Anonymous

Absolutely one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

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Anonymous

I thought it was a great story, from beginning to end. There were lots of different emotions listening to the book. The story was about bravery, taking chances, survival, true friendship and learning how to trust again and seek help. Enjoy!

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Julie T.

Too sad, too cliche, too repetitive, not enough depth to the characters. I won't read another Kristen Hannah. Whenever something good happens, the character dies...I really don't understand why this book is so popular. It didn't even tell me much about the women in Vietnam...

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Christine H.

Great story line, I really enjoyed it.

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Anonymous

Wonderful!

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Christine B.

One if the best I’ve read

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Anonymous

Another great book by Kristin Hannah

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Christine L.

Usually love her books. This was rather predictable and quite frankly already written. It’s worth a read for sure, but she just can’t outdo Nightengale. Enjoy.

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Anonymous

Very interesting story line.

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Sandra29plms

I think this might be one of the best books I’ve read, so heartbreaking, intense, and brave! LOVE this book!

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Barbara N.

The first half of the book reminds me of TV show China Beach of nurses in Vietnam. The second half of the book was original and brought back memories of our country during those years of both protests and sacrifices.

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Kylie L.

Kristin Hannah DOES NOT MISS. No author gets me as invested as she does. This is just another wonderful and amazing adventure she takes us on with Frankie. Thank you Kristin!

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Susan S.

A MUST READ!!!

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KateinSD

What an amazing book! One of the best books I’ve ever read and I read A LOT!! So good, just a great story about the women of Vietnam. Opened my eyes to a past I was too young to know much about.

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William C.

Parts of the book do not seem to be realistic I was an Army officer from 1969 to 1973 I do not see a surgeon smoking pot for obvious reasons.

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Stephanie K.

This book hit every emotion possible. I found myself being angry more than anything. We didn’t learn about the Vietnam war like we did the others- it was absolutely gutting to hear how vile it was, and even worse to hear the treatment of the soldiers upon returning home. The one thing it kept me thinking was thank God Frankie came from home- her recover story would have been far different had she been in a lower class.

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Lisa H.

Good listen. Interesting to learn more about the Vietnam war and nursing.

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Anonymous

I love the story. Very captivating and real.

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Jane D.

I was a teenager during the war. As with all her books, Kristin uses a story to expose the war in Vietnam and consequences. History has repeated itself. As always, the narrator was perfect.

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Ceilynn Howse

Incredible book. I loved the story, and the narrator was excellent!

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Tara G.

Incredible book!!

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Jessica R.

Always love Kristin Hannah. This was no different! Such a great book!

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Robin H.

One of Ms Hannah’s best.

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Kim Ellis

Absolutely love...from start to finish. Kristen Hannah delivers another 5 star book..

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