Location: CA/Vietnam/VA/MT Type: Physical book
Timeline: Linear Genre: Historical Fiction
Narration: 3rd person from Frankie's perspective. Feminism
Review:
Stars: 3
Kristin Hannah is a fantastic author, and this book is really good. So why did I give it a 3-star rating? I just didn't feel what I wanted to feel for this book. I felt Frankie was just beaten by life. I wanted her to find love. Right when she was about to get it, the book cuts off. I did enjoy the father-daughter drama throughout the story though.
Kristin Hannah must have done a lot of research to bring such a vivid picture of war, PTSD, family struggles, side effects of agent orange and so much more. I truly felt that I was with Frankie, Barb and Ethyl while they performed their duties as a nurse. It was graphic and detailed and true to the horrors of war (in my opinion).
This book is worth a read for the historical and awareness aspect. But do not expect it to end with a cute little bow. I was left with many questions. However, this book would provide a great conversation for a book club discussion.
Sex:
Sex is mentioned but not in detail.
Language:
Fuck: 3
Ass: 27
Bitch: 9
Shit: 57
GD: 3
Cunt/Pussy: 0
Dick/Cock: 0
L in V: 26
Bastard: 1
Triggers:
Death
PTSD/Nightmares
Miscarriage
Drunk Driving
Cheating
Attempted Suicide
Questions:
Frankie had a hard first couple days in Vietnam.
What do you think kept her going?
What kept her in Vietnam?
"God, she wished she'd told him the truth, wished they'd kissed, just once, so she could have that memory."
"I should have..." What? What should she have done? What could she have done? Love mattered in this ruined world, but so did honor."
What do you think Frankie should have done about Jamie and their feelings toward each other?
"She joined the Army to find her brother and found herself instead; in war, she'd found out who she really was and who she wanted to be..."
What event(s) do you think contributed to Frankie finding herself?
Who do you think Frankie wants to become?
Frankie received a less than warm welcome from not only the American citizens around her but also from her parents.
Why do you think her parents acted this way?
What would you do if you came home to this sort of welcome?
Tragedy often brings an unexpected blessing.
"Frankie learned more about her dad, and the depth of his love for his family, than she'd learned in all the years before."
This quote is after Frankie's mother's stroke.
What is an unexpected blessing you have found through tragedy?
Do you think Frankie and her father would have reconciled if it wasn't for the stroke?
Barb and Frankie participated in marches in Washington, D.C to protest the war.
What is a cause you would be willing to (or have) march in protest for?
Who would you pair Frankie with: Jamie, Rye, Henry, or none of them?
Why?
What are your thoughts on Rye?
Why do you think Frankie was so hung up on Rye?
Why could she not move past him?
At the end we find out Jamie was alive.
What do you think happened between Jamie and Frankie after the story ends?
Why do you think the author chose not to include and ending for them?
What point do you think the author was trying to make?
Was she successful?
Why or why not?
Have you ever heard stories of the Vietnam War directly from a vet?
If so, please share a story.
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