The Women

I've heard a lot of stories about Vietnam. My dad was stationed there from 1967-1969, the same timeframe as this book. I am also a registered nurse, so I was both hesitant and intrigued to read this story.

Overall, I felt the author did a great job of portraying the era and the brutality of the Vietnam war. So many injustices were highlighted such as Agent Orange, how soldiers were treated when they came home, the lack of proper mental health care, addiction, PSTD, the horrible conditions, and of course, the lack of acknowledgement for the women who served.

This is a work of fiction, so there were a few things that I felt took away from the realism of the story. However, I think this book has the potential to shine a light on what that time was like and hopefully give a voice to those who lost it during this war.

This war and its repercussions defined my life in many ways. I lost 2 brothers to the effects of Agent Orange, my dad was addicted to heroin, an addiction that began in Vietnam for soldiers who couldn't sleep or cope, and subsequently died of a related cancer. I sit here now thinking of him and wishing I could hug that young soldier who grew into my dad, and tell him that I see him and his pain. Miss him so much.

I'm curious if there are any Vietnam vets still around or family members who wpuld like to share insight. What do you think of her portrayal of the war and its effects?