The Women: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Part 1, Chapters 11-19

Part 1, Chapter 20-Part 2, Chapter 27

Part 2, Chapters 28-35

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

The Heroes’ Wall

In the first chapter of The Women, Frankie is drawn to the heroes’ wall in her parents’ house—photographs of the family’s male veterans. These men are lauded by her father, as they strengthen the family’s reputation and symbolize sacrifices for one’s community and country. Frankie believes joining the Vietnam War, followed by the inclusion of her photograph on the wall, will earn her parents’ pride. However, in their traditional view, women do not belong on the wall; thus, as much as Frankie appreciates the wall, it reinforces the male-dominated nature of her society. When she returns home, she struggles to convince her parents that she, too, made a meaningful contribution to the war. When her father disagrees, she expresses her frustration by tearing down the photographs. However, the 1960s bring positive change: Frankie and other nurses are finally able to join the memorialization of Vietnam veterans. Furthermore, Frankie and the female veterans she supports at her ranch design their own heroes’ wall—complete with polaroids Frankie shot while in service.

Frankie’s Mementos

Throughout her time in Vietnam, Frankie exchanges pins and other gifts of gratitude with patients. Many pins indicate soldiers’ respective units, symbolizing their camaraderie and pride. Likewise, a Vietnamese boy gives Frankie a stone as a form of payment, but more so as a form of appreciation that transcends their language barrier. In turn, she gifts him a Saint Christopher medal as a symbol of protection. Overall, these exchanges are grounded in mutual understanding. Frankie later passes the boy’s stone to surgeon Jamie, to convey care despite his likely death. She herself wears a pin that marks her as a nurse, reinforcing her service in Vietnam despite others’ doubts. It is this pin that informs Henry of her history and leads to their respectful romance.

Letters

From the start, Frankie’s life is marked by letters between herself and loved ones, especially Finley while he is stationed in Vietnam. Through letters, the two can maintain their close bond until he dies. When Frankie herself arrives in Vietnam, she sends frequent letters to her mother. She initially paints an optimistic picture of the war, desperate to convince her parents that she made the correct decision to join the army. These letters illustrate her desire to make them proud, with later messages framing nursing as her calling while losing their optimistic tone. Frankie expresses frustration at the American government that contrasts with her parents’ patriotism; her mother’s refusal to engage with anti-war sentiment in replies foreshadows both parents’ refusal to acknowledge her service. At home, her letters to Ethel and Barb provide solidarity and support. Barb in particular encourages Frankie to endure life’s challenges by finding a new purpose. With this in mind, she writes letters to politicians and other people in power to raise awareness of American POWs and lobby for their release. With this act comes a renewed passion for nursing.