Spoilers! The Women, Kristin Hannah

[MysticHalfWitch]

I appreciate this is likely to be an unpopular opinion, but I’d appreciate other people’s thoughts.

I loved the story, the friendships, the impossible task of being recognised at that time as a woman. Fantastic storytelling and writing, and wonderful to read a book bringing awareness.

What I didn’t like however, and what ruined it for me, was the ‘love’ aspects of it. She was such a strong, capable, incredible woman, and I found it really took something from the story. I was delighted when she didn’t end up with Rye, thought it had taken a good turn away from predictable love stories, however the schmaltz at the end with Jamie had me chucking the book at the wall.

Maybe I’m just a jaded old bag, but I really didn’t think the book needed it. The story was wonderful, heartbreaking and gripping enough. Alas I’m the only person I’ve come across who feels this way so far.

I’m prepared to be shot at dawn as I know the majority of people loved it.

I loved the book, was happy with the failed romance of Rye, but agree the ending was ridiculously trite.

A friend in the US once explained that US audiences / readers need a wrapped up ending. He preferred the European way of leaving some endings to your imagination.

Felt the same about Home Front. Interesting take on modern warfare, but wrapped in schmalz

That ending with Jamie was obvious when she gave him the pebble when he was injured.

I enjoyed it, it was an easy read but with an interesting story, I know nothing about the Vietnam War. I found it slightly unbelievable that she has three love affairs with men she adored and wanted to marry in a short space of time. I think more story about her mental health post war would have been more interesting.

Too much shit happened to Frankie. Just misery piled on misery for miseries sake I thought

I enjoyed the book & liked the portrayal of Vietnam & showing her PTSD afterwards. That said, I agree about the contrived ending - I did wonder why Jamie never tried to find Frankie. I also wondered about Mrs Ex-Jamie’s feelings about her daughter being called Frankie.

I thought Rye’s return home was contrived, but there is a similar plot line in Winifred Holtby’s book The Crowded Street (recently discussed on MN) so perhaps it happens in wartime. I also didn’t understand why Rye stayed in Vietnam for an extra year if he had a wife at home.

I didn't really enjoy the book, mainly for the reasons given already - the end was so contrived.

I’ve clearly found my people. Thank you, I feel validated that I’m not alone!!

I enjoyed it but read it a while ago and can't quite remember details.. but I remember characters seem to constantly come back from the dead. Two i believe? I thought it made the whole thing a bit silly.

I quite agree, really enjoyed the book apart from the relationships at the end. Her book The Four Winds was similar, an unrealistic and unnecessary relationship. It's going to put me off reading any more by this author, which is a shame because I enjoy historical fiction.

I didn’t enjoy it, started well but then just dragged on a bit I thought don’t get the huge hype at all.

I thought it was boring, and I’ve loved most of her other books. The first half is like Groundhog Day - Frankie goes into the hospital in damp clothes, sews up injured soldiers, most of whom die; bombs are dropping or have just dropped, or are about to drop. Second half is Frankie losing her shit with everyone around her on a daily basis. I don’t think she was a likeable character.

@MysticHalfWitch as I have the same opinion as you on Kristin Hannah I am now intrigued, do you any historical fiction books that you would recommend please?