The Women

The Trial of War and the Right to Be Recognized. A new novel by the author of "The Nightingale".

A new, deeply moving book by Kristin Hannah—the author of the famous novels "The Nightingale," "Four Winds," and "The Street of Fireflies," already named the top American bestseller of last year.

The main character is twenty-year-old Frances McGrath, or simply Frankie—an attentive nursing student from a prosperous family where strict rules and impeccable manners have always been the norm. She’s always been obedient, wanting only for her parents to be proud of her.

But one day her world collapses: the Vietnam War begins, and her beloved brother is sent to the front. Frankie can no longer stay on the sidelines. Against her family’s wishes and society’s expectations, she signs up herself—becoming a military nurse.

War awaits young, inexperienced Frankie with a brutal ordeal: she will have to undergo the baptism of fire and save lives amid chaos and destruction, lose friends, fight fear, and doubt the justice of what’s happening.

But her hardest battle will be fought at home—in a society that isn’t ready to recognize the heroism of women in uniform.

"Women" is the story of an entire generation, told through the lens of one fate. It’s about women who risked everything in their drive to help others. About women whose loyalty to their native country was questioned and left out of official history.

A splendid audiobook version of this story, with its unique finesse, drama, and depth, was performed by actress Marina Lisovets.

Press on the book:

"Kristin Hannah wrote a novel about one of the most brutal wars of the last century. 'Women' is a book about the courage and heroism of nurses in this war, about women whose role and sacrifice for many years were simply ignored. Her heroine, young Frankie McGrath, evokes deep compassion and immense respect. She embodies all those women pushed into the shadows—women who gave up so much. A remarkably human war novel," — Delia Owens, author of "Where the Crawdads Sing"

"Many people in Vietnam did things that we can—and must—be proud of. That’s why I’m so glad that 'Women' has been such a success. This beautifully written book is a tribute to veterans and their selflessness," — Bill Gates

"This is historical prose at its very best. So touching, so harrowing, and yet so inspiring. Bravo!" — Nicholas D. Kristof, Pulitzer Prize laureate