The Women by Kristin Hannah

A woman's journey from Vietnam to recovery.

A woman's journey from Vietnam to recovery

This book! This book! I am proud, frustrated and filled with love and respect for the service of my fellow nurses who served in Vietnam and for those that continue to serve.

This summer I saw this book was everywhere. On laps at pools, tucked in bags at airports, diaper bags. Part of me wanted to read it and be a kool kid. However, the rebellious side was like "don't believe the hype." Of course, the kool kid side won. I did not know how much impact it would have on me. I am so glad I read it!

Although The Women is a fictional novel, it's not a big stretch to imagine the experiences of the civilian nurses described as unique. The women included nurses, physicians and other civilian roles who served in Vietnam. According to history.com 11,000 women served during the Vietnam era with five losing their lives. These service members experienced many of the atrocities of war only to return home to the mantra "there were no women in Vietnam". They were unable to receive help from the community or from the Veteran's Administration. We as a nation failed these women on so many levels.

One of our first encounter with Frankie was as she stood in her father's office with Joseph Ryerson Walsh, Rye staring at the Wall of Honor. The wall proudly displayed the service of the men in the family who'd serve their country. Ry's quiet support and encouragement for Frankie to be able to be displayed proudly alongside her family had me fist pumping and singing his praises. Little did I know later I would want to punch him in the face. Regardless, he was the first person who gave breath to the idea that Frankie could be more than a wife and mother.

Frankie dutifully attends nursing school as it was one of the few vocations encouraged for women. Frankie strove for excellence and early completion. Her mother told her to slow down. Nursing school wasn't about completion it was about getting her Mrs. degree. With her nursing degree in hand Frankie launched her campaign to serve. Declined by several armed services branches, Frankie finds her home with the Army.

Vietnam finds Frankie green and idealistic. And like every good nurse filled with compassion, desire to care and eagerness to learn they drove her to success. She meets her best friends, Ethel and Barb on her first day in country. The newbie's first encounter with these seasoned women found them changing blood-soaked scrubs and underwear. This was the first time of many where she questioned her decision to come to Vietnam. Together these women administer lifesaving physical care, become the mothers and girlfriends the soldiers needed in their last moments.

Frankie's journey had me in my feelings. Unrequited love. Returning to a country ill equipped to acknowledge or support her. A family who failed to acknowledge her service or time in country. Fellow countrymen who shouted "baby killer" when they saw her in her dress uniform. My heart was broken for her. Without mental health support Frankie struggled with PTSD. Managing her symptoms with alcohol and "mother's little helper". She found herself spiraling and ultimately hitting rock bottom with an arrest for DUI.

The hopeless romantic in me wanted Frankie to find love. Instead, she finds heartbreak, lies and uncertainty. Her initial love, Jamie was married. Although it seemed their love was mutual, they honored his vows. Rye was married, he failed to share his marital status with Frankie. Her pursued and began a relationship with her with plans for marriage and a future. These plans seemed to be thwarted when it appeared Rye's helicopter goes down and he is presumed dead. Her heart and mind couldn't let Rye go. Rye's place in her heart was so great, she was unable to accept or return the love of Henry Acevedo.

The unexpected return of Rye sent a spiraling Frankie into a full tailspin. She agreed to continue their relationship despite his marital status. As the tale as old as time goes, he was planning to leave his wife and family and begin a new one with Frankie. Thus, the reason I wanted to punch him in the face. Frankie wholeheartedly believed until she discovered his wife had just given birth to their third child. Her vision for him and herself was shattered.

The tenacity and strength she displayed in Vietnam helped her redefine her life and mission. She earns a degree and psychology, moves to a farmhouse in Montana, The Last Best Place. It is here she finds herself and offers counseling and refuge to other women who served in Vietnam.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book! It is worth the read and the time.