A #1 bestseller on The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times! From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women—at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided. Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam. The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

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About the author
Kristin Hannah
Author
Kristin Hannah is an American writer. Her most notable works include Winter Garden, The Nightingale, Firefly Lane, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds. In 2024 The Women was published. It is set in the United States in the 1960s during the Vietnam War.
The Women
by Kristin Hannah
Books Like The Women
If you're looking for books similar to The Women, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah
Another powerful historical fiction by Hannah focusing on women's experiences during wartime. Set in France during World War II, it follows two sisters navigating survival, resistance, and personal courage. The novel explores themes of female resilience, sacrifice, and heroism similar to The Women. It highlights women's often overlooked roles during challenging historical periods. A compelling narrative about strength and survival in extraordinary circumstances.
The Four Winds
Kristin Hannah
A gripping historical novel about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. The story follows Elsa Wolcott as she fights for her family's survival and dignity. Like The Women, it centers on a female protagonist facing immense societal challenges. The book explores themes of resilience, motherhood, and personal transformation. Hannah's signature style of highlighting women's inner strength is prominently featured.
We Were Soldiers Once... and Young
Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway
A non-fiction account of the Vietnam War that offers a detailed, personal perspective on military experience. The book focuses on the Battle of Ia Drang, providing a comprehensive view of combat. Like The Women, it explores the human stories behind military service. Moore and Galloway present a powerful narrative of courage, sacrifice, and the complexities of war. A significant work that humanizes the Vietnam War experience.
The Unwomanly Face of War
Svetlana Alexievich
A non-fiction work documenting women's experiences during World War II. Alexievich collects oral histories that reveal women's diverse roles in conflict. Similar to The Women, it explores female experiences in war beyond traditional narratives. The book provides profound insights into women's courage and resilience. A groundbreaking work that challenges conventional war stories.
The Things They Carried
Tim O'Brien
A seminal work about the Vietnam War that blends fiction and memoir. The book explores the emotional and psychological burdens soldiers carry during and after war. Like The Women, it delves into the personal experiences and inner lives of those who serve. O'Brien's narrative reveals the complex human experiences behind military service. A profound meditation on memory, trauma, and the lasting impact of war.
Call the Midwife
Jennifer Worth
A memoir about nursing and midwifery in London's East End during the 1950s. Worth's narrative explores the challenges and rewards of medical service in a challenging environment. Similar to The Women, it highlights women's professional contributions and personal growth. The book provides insights into healthcare, social change, and female empowerment. A compassionate and engaging account of nursing.
The Radium Girls
Kate Moore
A non-fiction book about women who worked in radium factories during the early 20th century. The narrative explores their struggles and fight for justice. Like The Women, it highlights female resilience and societal challenges. Moore's book reveals the extraordinary courage of women facing significant obstacles. A powerful story of determination and survival.
Matterhorn
Karl Marlantes
A powerful Vietnam War novel that provides an intense, realistic portrayal of combat and military experience. The book follows a young Marine lieutenant and his unit through the brutal realities of war. Similar to The Women, it offers a raw, unfiltered look at the Vietnam War's psychological and physical challenges. The novel explores themes of camaraderie, survival, and the profound impact of war on individuals. A deeply moving account of military service and its lasting effects.
In Harm's Way
Doug Stanton
A gripping non-fiction account of military survival and heroism during World War II. The book focuses on the USS Indianapolis and its crew's extraordinary story of survival. Like The Women, it explores themes of courage, resilience, and human endurance. Stanton provides a detailed, emotional narrative of military experience. A powerful exploration of heroism in extreme circumstances.
Heroines of Mercy Street
John S. Haller Jr.
A non-fiction book about Civil War nurses and their critical contributions. The narrative explores the challenges and heroism of women in medical service. Like The Women, it highlights female courage and professional dedication. Haller provides historical context for women's evolving roles in healthcare. A fascinating exploration of nursing during a transformative period.
Fly Girls
Keith O'Brien
A non-fiction book about female pilots who challenged gender barriers during early aviation. The story follows pioneering women who fought to prove their capabilities in a male-dominated field. Similar to The Women, it explores themes of female empowerment and breaking societal constraints. O'Brien's narrative highlights women's courage and determination. A compelling account of trailblazing women in aviation.
Band of Sisters
Lauren Willig
A historical novel about American women volunteers in World War I France. The story follows a group of Smith College graduates who provide humanitarian aid. Like The Women, it explores female solidarity and courage during wartime. Willig's narrative highlights women's often-overlooked contributions to war efforts. A compelling story of friendship, resilience, and service.
War Nurse
Tracey Enerson Wood
A historical novel about a nurse's experiences during World War I. The story follows a dedicated nurse navigating the challenges of wartime medical service. Similar to The Women, it explores themes of female resilience and professional commitment. Wood's narrative provides insights into the emotional and physical demands of nursing. A compelling story of courage and compassion.
Nurse
Amy Westcott
A novel that explores the challenging and heroic world of nursing during a critical period. The story follows a dedicated nurse navigating professional and personal challenges. Similar to The Women, it highlights the crucial role of nurses in high-stress environments. The book provides insights into the medical profession's demands and emotional complexities. A compelling narrative about dedication, compassion, and professional resilience.
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