GUEST WRITER ALEXA WHITLOCK RECOMMENDS THE WOMEN BY KRISTIN HANNAH
“The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn’t quite yet ready to hear it, and their story started with three simple words. We were there.”
The Women tells the forgotten story of the brave nurses in Vietnam during wartimes and the trauma they faced after. When Frankie McGrath joins the Army Nurse Corps, she’s excited to follow her brother to war and serve her country but once she arrives it’s not what she’s been told.
Throughout the war, Frankie forms new connections and friendships in unlikely places and when she comes home, she’s expecting the pride and admiration she deserves, but instead, is faced with disdain and anger. While struggling with the effects of PTSD, she’s forced to forget her service in the war, but she’s determined to make sure the women in Vietnam won’t be erased.
Throughout the story, Frankie goes from your stereotypical 60s girl into a strong veteran and an advocate for the women in Vietnam. Her character development is gradual, but monumental at the end when readers see everything she overcame. The representation of PTSD in Frankie, and in the other veterans, shows just how vastly different the war can affect people and how differently people respond to trauma. The Women shows the ups and downs that come with mental illness while also educating on an important subject. This book does a perfect job of portraying the importance of fierce loyalty and support from female friends during tough times, and the connection Frankie forges with her girlfriends during the war is true and genuine.
If someone is looking to learn more about what really happened in Vietnam, Kristin Hannah’s most recent historical fiction is the perfect place to start.
Hi, I’m Alexa Whitlock! I’m a high school student at Leo Hayes in Fredericton, New Brunswick and I’ve been passionate about reading and writing since as long as I can remember. My favorite genres are usually fantasy and historical fiction. When I’m not reading, you can usually find me at a thrift store or trying out a new makeup look.