Printable Book Club Questions for The Women by Kristin Hannah

Why was The Women the right title for this novel?
For those who lived during the Vietnam War, can you share your memories of that era? What most sticks out to you? How did it feel reading about that era?
And for those who weren’t yet born, how much knowledge did you have about the Vietnam War and this time period prior to reading the novel? What was your impression reading about this time period?
Do you feel you learned something new by reading The Women?
What are your thoughts about Frankie, as the protagonist? Let’s talk about her growth journey from the beginning of the novel to the end.
Her brother’s friend, Rye, who will play a bigger role in the novel, says to her “women can be heroes.” Why did that struck such a chord with Frankie?
Why did she decide to serve as a nurse during the war? What was she hoping to achieve?
How did her brother’s death in Vietnam impact both Frankie and her family?
As soon as Frankie arrives to Vietnam, she learns the war is very different than what’s presented to the American public. It’s chaotic, scary and changes every minute. What were your thoughts as you read all the hospital scenes?
Frankie develops a close friendship with her fellow nurses, Barb and Ethel. Let’s talk about how they bonded through their war experiences.
Frankie also gets close to a married doctor, Jamie. What were your thoughts on their dynamic and budding romance?
After Jamie seemingly dies, Frankie is eventually transferred to another hospital and she runs into Rye again. While she’s resistant at first because Rye is engaged, he tells her the engagement is off and they start a romance. Did you trust Rye or did you have your suspicions about him?
Both Jamie, and we come to learn Rye, are married but still pursue Frankie. While Jamie is more honest, and it does seem he’s in an unhappy marriage, Rye completely lies to Frankie. Why does it seem that infidelity was common (at least in the story’s context) during the war?
Why did Frankie decide to extend her time in Vietnam instead of come back home?
When did Frankie start to realize what the public was being told about the war was not true?
This book is divided into two parts, during the war and the aftermath. Let’s first talk about Frankie’s return home and the unhero’s welcome. What were your thoughts as you read the horrible treatment she received? Why were her parents not supportive of her time in the war?
While the male veterans also received the harsh treatment, they at least could band together. But the women of the war were not considered veterans and not able to recieve the same benefits as veterans. Why did society try to erase women’s involvement in the war?
Frankie holds on to hope that Rye will soon return home, but she finds out from his father that he was killed in action. She soon falls into a deep depression as a result of her grief but also undiagnosed PTSD from the war. Why was it important the author showed the reader Frankie’s experience with PTSD?
What were your thoughts about her relationship with Henry? Could she have been happy with him long term?
The big twist comes out that Rye survived the war. But he lied to Frankie—he’s in fact married with a child. They eventually meet up again and he tells her he wants to leave his wife and they embark on an affair. Let’s discuss Rye’s manipulation. Do you think he ever cared about Frankie or was she merely an object to him?
Frankie eventually hits rock bottom and almost kills a man on a bicycle. This causes her parents to enlist help and Frankie goes to rehab and gets sober. Let’s talk about Frankie’s recovery.
Why was the ranch in Montana the right fit for Frankie?
Eventually, we get to the ’80s and the ranch has become a safe haven for women of the Vietnam War. Frankie and her friends decide to attend the dedicated of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Why was it important for them to attend?
At the dedication, Frankie runs into Jamie, who survived. They both talk about the hardships gained from the war but the spark is still there. What does the future hold for them? What did you think about the ending overall?
Do you have any favorite quotes or passages you would like to share?