Megan Honaker's Reviews > The Women
The Women
by
by
Will I read a Kristin Hannah book and NOT rate it 5 stars?? Doubtful. Will I read a Kristin Hannah book and not sob all the way through?? Also doubtful.
Frances "Frankie" McGrath is a 17 year old girl who watches her brother go to Vietnam because that's what heroes do. She takes it upon herself to get some basic nursing skills and also go to Vietnam. We follow her life/experiences throughout her time there as well as see glimpses of what's happening politically in the US. Then, the return home and what life is like for a Vietnam Veteran and just as a Veteran dealing with everything you saw overseas. Then, add on she's a woman and it's even worse.
This was such a powerful read. As someone who thinks the US Government is ultimately trash and doesn't care about their citizens as well as dislikes our military industrial complex, I felt very challenged by learning more about how Vietnam Vets were treated. I admittedly don't really know/understand the intricacies around the politics of Vietnam but to know most of these men were drafted, young, and poor and then spit on upon their return broke my heart. I can't imagine thinking you're doing all this good and then coming home and realizing your government lied to you and having to grapple with all these feelings about your time there.
My favorite thing about Hannah's writing is her depiction of female friendship. It's always beautiful and messy and real. I highly, highly recommend this one.
Frances "Frankie" McGrath is a 17 year old girl who watches her brother go to Vietnam because that's what heroes do. She takes it upon herself to get some basic nursing skills and also go to Vietnam. We follow her life/experiences throughout her time there as well as see glimpses of what's happening politically in the US. Then, the return home and what life is like for a Vietnam Veteran and just as a Veteran dealing with everything you saw overseas. Then, add on she's a woman and it's even worse.
This was such a powerful read. As someone who thinks the US Government is ultimately trash and doesn't care about their citizens as well as dislikes our military industrial complex, I felt very challenged by learning more about how Vietnam Vets were treated. I admittedly don't really know/understand the intricacies around the politics of Vietnam but to know most of these men were drafted, young, and poor and then spit on upon their return broke my heart. I can't imagine thinking you're doing all this good and then coming home and realizing your government lied to you and having to grapple with all these feelings about your time there.
My favorite thing about Hannah's writing is her depiction of female friendship. It's always beautiful and messy and real. I highly, highly recommend this one.
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