The Women

Kristin Hannah

- 4.3 • 59 Ratings

- $24.99

Also available in the Book Store

- $24.99

Also available in the Book Store

'Astonishing. Compelling. Powerful' - Delia Owens, bestselling author of Where the Crawdads Sing

'Stuns with sacrifice. Uplifts with heroism' - Bonnie Garmus, Number One worldwide bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry

From the worldwide bestselling author of The Four Winds, The Nightingale and Firefly Lane (a Number One series on Netflix), The Women is a story of devastating loss and epic love. It is both an intimate portrait of a woman coming of age in a dangerous time and a story of a nation divided by war.

It would be the journey of a lifetime . . .

'Women can be heroes, too'. When twenty-year-old nursing student, Frances "Frankie" McGrath, hears these unexpected words, it is a revelation. Raised on California's idyllic Coronado Island and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing, being a good girl. But in 1965 the world is changing, and she suddenly imagines a different path for her life. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows his path.

As green and inexperienced as the young men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed America. Frankie will also discover the true value of female friendship and the heartbreak that love can cause.

The Women is the story of one woman who goes to war, but it shines a light on the story of all women who put themselves in harm's way to help others. Women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has been all too often forgotten. A novel of searing insight and lyrical beauty, The Women is a profoundly emotional, richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose extraordinary idealism and courage under fire define an era.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABIA INTERNATIONAL BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2025

Praise for Kristin Hannah:

'Powerful and compelling' Christy Lefteri, bestselling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo

'You would be hard-pressed to find a book club that has not discussed one of her novels' New York Times

'A rich, compelling novel of love, sacrifice and survival' - Kate Morton

'A masterclass' - Karen Swan

'Powerful' - Matt Haig

APPLE BOOKS REVIEW

When her brother heads off to serve in the Vietnam War in 1965, 20-year-old Frankie boldly enlists in the Army Nurse Corps to follow suit. What she sees there may shock her, but it doesn’t come close to preparing for the divided America she will return to. Kristin Hannah’s epic historical novel showcases the under-reported role that women played in a long, contentious conflict. It also examines the strong bonds that form when ordinary people are thrust into the most extreme and life-threatening circumstances—and the difficult path they face when trying to readjust to civilian life. In the case of the titular women, there is also the added challenge of fighting to be recognised for their heroic efforts. Their incredible story is brought dramatically into the light by veteran narrator Julia Whelan, who adds robust sensitivity to every line that she reads.

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