The Women by Kristin Hannah

This was a great book, a powerful book, a sad book and a frustrating book.

The Vietnam War is such an interesting and yet awful period in history, but what was also so terrible about it was the way veterans were treated when they came home.

In The Women, nursing student Frankie McGrath enlists to go to Vietnam, and ends up doing several tours there amidst the horror. When she gets back home, though, she finds out that she is facing not only the repercussions of being a vet, but also of being a woman - because "Women didn't go to Vietnam." So they aren't taken seriously, and as she navigates life after the war, well, it is harrowing stuff. Having said that, it is not written in a draining, harrowing style. It is a great, easy-reading style, but Frankie's story and life after Vietnam story isn't so great - relationships, addiction - although it does end well, and yay for female friends!! It is a gripping read and I think it will be a book I do read again.

Five out of five stars.

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