Kristin Hannah’s The Women is a deeply poignant and immersive novel that explores themes of identity, loss, and the often-overlooked role of women in war. Set during the Vietnam War and spanning decades, the book tells the story of Fran “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman who defies societal expectations to serve as a nurse in Vietnam, only to return to a society that doesn’t acknowledge or appreciate her sacrifice. With her characteristic attention to emotional depth and historical detail, Hannah delivers a powerful narrative that both enlightens and moves the reader. Frankie is introduced as a woman with a strong sense of duty, raised in a wealthy, privileged household in California. Her decision to join the war effort challenges the expectations of her family and society, as the prevailing view of the time was that war was a man’s domain. Women who participated were often either ignored or vilified. Hannah uses Frankie’s story to shed light on the experiences of the thousands of...