The Quirky Spine

Vital Stats

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Spoiler-Free Snippet

Here’s the gist…

The Women follows Frankie McGrath’s journey to finding her purpose in life. The story follows her from her decision to become a nurse in the military after finishing nursing school. Frankie is an idealist, but life choices, actions, and consequences quickly force her to become more of a realist. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Kristin Hannah takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and existential questions.

Goodreads Synopsis

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305853-the-women

Thoughts, Feels, and Everything Between

Now, on to my unfiltered thoughts 💭! This is not my first Kristin Hannah book 📚. However, it has quickly become my favorite. Hannah crafts a masterful story centered around a young idealist in the mid-1960s. The US is in the midst of a Civil Rights movement and the beginnings of a war no one really seems to understand. I looked into the book because of Hannah, but I chose the book because of the setting, era, and the character.

I knew Frankie’s journey would be tumultuous, but I wasn’t fully prepared for the peaks and valleys woven into this story. From the moment Frankie hears the words “Women can be heroes”, I knew she would face the same challenges I have read (and taught) about regarding females in the military and during that era in US history. And, I was here for it!

Spoilers present. Skip if you prefer to avoid spoilers.

From a mother who insists her daughter will only be a nurse until she marries to a series of failed romances, some by choice others by circumstance, Hannah provides Frankie with many opportunities to ask herself the deeper questions about what she wants in and from life.

My heart broke several times. First, with the news of her brother’s death and ending with the last betrayal from Rye. Her struggles with believing in herself when she makes it Vietnam, to her uncomfortable homecoming–both with the general public and her parents, failed romances, and her addictions weave together to make Frankie a relatable character.

The novel flows well with each event leading to the next with focus and clarity. The strong cast of characters belong alongside Frankie and Hannah spends the time needed to make them real and vitally important to the story. With the review out of the way, let’s highlight the unforgettable moments!

Standout Scenes & Stellar Bits

• The romances – I won’t spoil anything, but I am sure everyone can identify with one of Frankie’s relationships. Some are sweet. Some fierce. And some, downright 💔 heartbreaking.
• Female friendships make up much of the story and it is refreshing to read about these strong bonds and how they can serve us throughout life.

War looked one way for those who saw it from a safe distance. Close up, the view was different.

The Sweet and the Bitter

❤️ – the writing is stellar, the plot moves at a pace that keeps you in the moment while also moving the story forward, and the characters are all fully fleshed out humans who contribute to the story

👎 – there’s not much I didn’t really like in this one

This One’s For You If…

• you like historical fiction relating to women’s rights or the Vietnam War
• you want to follow a woman from her idealistic 20s through to the next decade (and beyond) of her life
• you want to expand your understanding of female friendships and the strong bonds they create

Mood Board in Words

✅ emotional, strong women, friendships, bonds, love, inspiring, heroes

⚠️ War, death, miscarriage, suicidal ideation/attempt, addiction, torture

Shelf Mates You’ll Love

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (of course 😉)
• The Beantown Girls by Jane Healey
• Absolution by Alice McDermott
• Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
• Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader 

How I Rated It

Rating Scales

For my rating scales see: About