The Historical Fiction Book Blowing Up The Kindle Charts Right Now
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Some readers swear by historical fiction, while other readers pass it by, but there's one thing that always speaks louder than genre: pure, undeniable quality. Whether or not you're a lover of historical novels, certain books simply transcend boundaries. And if you're looking for a fulfilling new book that will take you to the highest highs and the lowest lows, you may want to check out "The Women" by Kristin Hannah.
This recent release has left the gates with rave reviews and is already flying off bookshelves, both physical and digital. At the time of writing, "The Women" is sitting at #2 on the Amazon Kindle Best Sellers list — and the novel is quickly racking up positive ratings that back up its popularity. Out of more than 12,000 Amazon ratings so far, "The Women" has earned a stellar, near-perfect 4.8-star average.
From Hannah, it feels like the culmination of a career spent honing her craft. After publishing more than 20 novels, including acclaimed titles like "The Nightingale" and "The Four Winds," Hannah has yet to disappoint. Still, the furor and excitement around "The Women" is exceptional, attracting both longtime fans and new readers in droves. So, what is it about this novel that resonates so strongly with audiences?
The Women is a historical tale of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience
The year is 1965, and idealistic young nurse Frankie McGrath is living a comfortable, familiar life. That is, until her brother is sent to serve in the Vietnam War, and Frankie, pushed by her sense of love and duty, signs up as a wartime nurse to go with him. Readers follow this unlikely hero as she and her close-knit colleagues come face to face with the horrors of life on the front lines, where violence reigns and soldiers are ground to nothing in the gears of war.
But there's even more to the story than the gruesome reality of warfare. Even after Frankie and her friends survive the storm of blood and chaos in Vietnam, there's no warm reception waiting for them at home. The nation is divided, and it turns out that the heroes of an unpopular conflict aren't really seen as heroes at all. Spat upon, ignored, and forgotten, the veterans of Vietnam must somehow cobble together their broken pieces to create a new life in the shadow of their trauma.
Audiences love a good wartime narrative, and it seems that "The Women" ticks all the boxes. This heart-wrenching coming-of-age story pushes its characters to the very limits of love and grief, exploring the awful and beautiful spectrum of the human experience in a rollercoaster ride that lingers long after the last page.
What readers are saying about The Women
"The Women” has quickly inspired fans to wax poetic — so much so that its Amazon page is overflowing with long and thoughtful reviews. Many begin with praise for the writing itself. As one reviewer wrote, "Hannah's writing is something magical. You are immediately hooked and transported to this world she has created on page one." In fact, Hannah's use of language is so evocative that the reviewer likens it to watching a film play out mentally.
Other readers hastened to agree with this assessment, additionally complimenting Hannah's characterizations, in-depth knowledge, and careful handling of the subject matter. "A five-star rating isn't enough," noted a reviewer. "The Women is in a league of its own. In it, Hannah achieves a new level of writing mastery and maturity."
This expertise is evidently helping readers dig deep roots into Hannah's story. Another impressed reader wrote, "It's absolutely brimming with palpable emotion. Every laugh, every tear, every dream, every struggle, every love, every fear, every sorrow, and every heartbreak felt by Frankie was real and raw and untethered within me. It was the best kind of connection a reader can possibly feel with a character." The reviewer also expressed admiration at the dedication Hannah had put into research, making the narrative feel not only realistic but also genuine and meaningful. This is, perhaps, one of the top accolades an author could wish for: to create a story that reflects its subject truthfully, respectfully, and in a way that matters.