Kristin Hannah's books have been recommended to me repeatedly, but what sealed the deal on me reading THE WOMEN was that Julia Whelan narrated it. I would listen to her read shopping lists and instructions, and I’m glad I experienced her narration of this book. I understand now what everyone says about Hannah’s books being emotionally heavy and an amazing ride. 

I’m a big fan of historical fiction, but this is my first Vietnam hf. I’ve read books in the era, but nothing so focused on the war. I learned new things, enjoyed the pacing, and fell in love with the characters, which this last one, for hf, is a big deal for me. In any book, I have to feel one way about the characters, but in an hf book, if I’m not emotionally attached, it becomes just a history book. 

Frankie is a character that I really enjoyed following her journey. She was human and flawed, but she made choices to make herself happy at a time when most women stayed the status quo. I rooted for her and wanted her to succeed. And I loved her friendship group. Knowing there were strong women like Frankie and her friends in Vietnam makes me proud.

Would I recommend listening to this while incapacitated in bed with the flu for days? I would make sure you have a strong stomach. But Whelan’s narration is extremely soothing and makes for a great listen. Thank goodness for audiobook timers!

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook!

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Content Warnings: war & war injury/trauma, blood, medical trauma, child death, alcohol & drug abuse, miscarriage, misogyny, racism, infidelity, ptsd, grief