Kristin Hannah’s “The Women:” Honoring the Female Veterans of the Vietnam War | Amanpour and Company

Author Kristin Hannah's new novel "The Women" tells a story about a nation divided against itself. The book is about an army nurse in Vietnam who experiences both the horror of the war in Southeast Asia, and the anger of antiwar demonstrators at home. Hannah joins the show to discuss her novel, which is particularly relevant in a time of renewed protest across the U.S.
Originally aired on May 17, 2024
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@noradhussey]

Reading it now as a retired Army nurse. Excellent

[@sherylsoleimani7158]

Wonderful author amazing book!

[@wendycomiskey4363]

A wonderful novel! Hard for me to read because my husband was badly injured in Vietnam. He made it home and lived for 25 years after but passed away due to his injuries at age 44. He very rarely complained about the pain those injuries caused. I didn’t realize until I read this book how terribly the nurses were treated and not valued. A terrible and sham of a war!

[@MargaretDebien-og2xd]

Retired female U.S. Navy officer, served at same time as "Frankie." So much is familiar but so much is also new to me. Cannot put this book down.

[@carolbulmer8253]

Walter, thank you for airing this interview with Kristin Hannah. I have read several of her books. I find them well researched and very well written. I will be buying her latest book, “The Women”.

[@debl9999]

I have read many of her books. I think this is the best yet. It was fabulous. Probably one of the best books I have ever read. I also have my bracelet and think of that soldier often. I had to look at her references to see what she used. I now have some of those books on my want to read list.

[@michaelmerline4582]

One my unexpected discovery in D.C. is the statue of the nurses tending fallen soldier in the field, tucked away in a corner near the Viet Nam Memorial.

[@bonniemiller4041]

It sounds wonderful, Kristen. Congratulations!

[@postanimaluseworldpauw8287]

Read 'The Women' for my pickleball book club. Hosting our discussion this coming Monday. This is the first Hannah book I've read. Came of age during the Vietnam War and am ashamed to say that I made the mistake - like many others - of not appreciating what our soldiers did during the war. I disagreed then, and still do, about getting into that war, but was misguided in my youthful ignorance in holding the low level soldiers accountable. As in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, decisions were made by people who would likely never have to personally experience the horrors of war. I am grateful for the education Hannah provides in telling this important story of the female nurses who served in combat zones.

[@meowtotheworld4801]

Did you know Kristen Hannah lives in Bainbridge Island, WA which is where pickleball was invented?

[@postanimaluseworldpauw8287]

@@meowtotheworld4801 Thanks. I didn't know that is where she lives, but I did know that pickleball was 'invented' on Bainbridge Island. PB saved me during the pandemic. Sometimes it was my only opportunity to get together with others.

[@susanwest2522]

I appreciated your honest comment. I, too, came of age during that time. I was a Flight Attendant, though, so I saw many tearful goodbyes and joyous reunions. I've never forgotten those days. Btw, The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah is fabulous! I recommend it!"

[@SuzanneMcA]

@@susanwest2522 Thank you Susan for the recommendation. This was the first Hannah book I've read. Others have suggested The Nightengale. I just started Demon Copperhead, so won't be picking up another for a little while. 🙂

[@kemcadams7210]

Im from the same era and was very affected by the people in my community going to "Nam and those who did not return. My cousin was stationed in the Philipines and didnt return to the states until the 90s. When I was in college a fellow student was doing research on the women who went to vietnam many of whom i assume were nurses too

[@teresalegler2777]

Thank you for sharing this interview. I too remember the bracelets of the MIA’s, from the ‘60’s. Upon graduating from high school, a friend told me she had joined the military. She too wanted to be a nurse. Somehow, I lost contact. I can only imagine what she experienced. So many soldiers and nurses were permanently shaped by the war. Thanks to all those who served.

[@yvonnecamperriovista225]

I’m looking forward to reading it.

[@TheCdecisneros]

A Florida legislator said he would've voted for the ERA if he had known that women served in the military....

[@barbaradobson9298]

Great topic… but this author is popular and that’s enough said.

[@rezakarampour6286]

' They Don't Hate Us For Our Freedom . '

[@incisivecommenter5974]

They hate because they hate us.

[@wmlundine]

...persistent mythology ✌️

[@incisivecommenter5974]

"Mythology"? Hmm no. Lol