While this isn't my favorite Kristin Hannah book thus far (I have only read three of hers now), it is still profoundly good. It was more predictable than what I have read before, but it had me crying by page 52. And then off and on throughout.

This book starts at a tough place, and only gets harder to read. I don't remember learning much about Vietnam in school, and while I knew it was bad, I think this book helped give me a deeper understanding of just how bad. Of how easily the women in history are glossed over, ignored completely, or utterly forgotten. There is a beautiful, hopeful ending though, so hang in there. It's still raw and imperfect, but hopeful.

Hannah does a fantastic job, as usual, digging deeply into the story of one woman, rather than casting a wide and shallow net. Rather than the big picture, we get one powerful story of one veteran's profound battle with the atrocities of war, with PTSD, with broken relationships, addiction, and healing.

I can't imagine what it must really have been like in an era where PTSD was barely being acknowledged and studied by only a few, before it was added to any diagnostic reference book. The Women gave me what my imagination lacked.

We are so lucky to have these broken shoulders to stand on and receive help with our own suffering.