Jennifer (Jaye) (catching up slowly)'s Reviews > The Women

*Women can be Heroes, too*

This book was a blend of historical fiction and domestic drama. It focused on the Vietnam War, which lasted from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975.

The protagonist, Frankie, came from a wealthy family. She also had an older brother named Finley. Their family had a wall dedicated to their heroes in their home. When the news broke about the Vietnam War, Finley immediately enlisted.

Frankie, feeling uneasy about her future as a woman, believes that her work life will end once she meets a man. It is what is expected. This prospect doesn’t sit well with her, so she decides to train as a nurse. However, her growing frustration leads her to make a bold decision: to sign up as a nurse in Vietnam. Despite her parents’ disapproval, Frankie remains resolute in her choice.
Frankie’s upbringing means she is sheltered to a certain extent and naive. However, she upholds principles when it comes to men who refuse to get involved with men who are already in relationships.

Well, she arrives in Vietnam, and it’s a stark contrast to her usual surroundings. What she sees is horrific. But the worst is yet to come. She’s taken under the wing of Ethel, Barb, and Patty, highly skilled nurses who help her every step of the way. They become her friends.

The real shame is when Frankie returns home from Vietnam. She discovers that people are far from welcoming and hostile. The country was unaware of the horrors that were unfolding. Her parents even fabricated an excuse for her whereabouts. All of this infuriates Frankie because she finds no one who is proud of her service.

We then witness Frankie spiralling downward as she grapples with her nightmares of the atrocities she witnessed in Vietnam. Upon their return, the men were welcomed, but there was no support or acknowledgment of the women who had served in Vietnam.

Frankie makes impulsive decisions that nearly lead to her self-destruction. Her PTSD was barely acknowledged, which exacerbated her struggles.

I will stop here as there is so much more to tell. I will say it was a hard read at times and very emotional but I am glad I finally got around to reading it. It is also worth reading the author’s note at the end.

This quote from the book stood out for me

Frankie ‘joined the Army to find her brother and found herself instead’