Kristin Hannah, Author of “The Women”

The Scuttlebutt: Understanding Military Culture

VBC Scuttlebutt welcomes bestselling author Kristin Hannah to talk about her wildy popular and well-reviewed novel The Women.

The book tells the story of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman from a privileged California family who defies societal expectations to serve as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War. Frankie’s decision to enlist is driven by a sense of duty and a desire to prove herself, but she quickly learns that war is far more brutal and complex than she imagined.

In Vietnam, Frankie is thrust into a world of chaos, tending to wounded soldiers and witnessing the devastating effects of combat. The novel vividly portrays the harsh realities of war, including the physical and emotional toll it takes on both soldiers and those who care for them. Hannah doesn’t shy away from the trauma and loss that define Frankie’s experience, capturing the fear, exhaustion, and helplessness that pervade her days in the field.

Frankie’s return to the United States is marked by a profound sense of disillusionment. She comes home to a country that is deeply divided over the war, and instead of receiving recognition for her service, she faces indifference and hostility. The novel explores the stark contrast between the hero’s welcome expected by returning soldiers and the cold reception many Vietnam veterans actually received, particularly women. Frankie’s struggles with post-traumatic stress, guilt, and the overwhelming sense of isolation highlight the emotional burden carried by those who served.

As she tries to reintegrate into civilian life, Frankie finds herself alienated not only by society but also by her own family, who cannot understand what she has been through. The novel examines the psychological impact of war, particularly the way it haunts veterans long after they leave the battlefield. Frankie’s internal battle is as harrowing as the war itself, as she grapples with the memories of those she couldn’t save and the moral complexities of her actions.

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We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!