The Women

The Women is a novel of epic love and devastating loss. And it is a story of a memorable heroine, and her deep friendships, whose idealism and courage under fire will define an era. Their friendship changed lives. Their bravery changed history. '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.Readers love The Women: 'Three little words. 'They were there'. Superb. Immersive. Shocking' 'This book turned me into an absolute sobbing mess . . . So well written and utterly heartbreaking as well as uplifting, joyful and empowering' 'Compelling and heartbreaking. It released all kind of emotions in me, and has left me wanting to know more about the Vietnam war' 'Hard to put down. Left with a book hangover. . . The best book I've read in a long time' The Women was a Sunday Times bestseller from 17.2.24-13.4.24