I haven’t read much about the Vietnam War before so I knew very little prior to this and learned so much following Frankie. 

The story of the men and women who served in Vietnam is such a heartbreaking one. There were so many politics that went into that war and so much unrest and division - in the 60s and 70s in general - and the returning veterans took the brunt of it. It’s unfathomable to me how, regardless of people’s view at the time of the war, they could treat people like that who were just following orders or trying to help others like the nurses did. And I had no idea women were constantly invalidated by their fellow veterans as if they made up their service. 

I thought the Frankie’s story was well told, loved her friendships with Barb and Ethel, and I thought the subject of PTSD, addiction and the ensuing destructive decisions were handled well and compassionately. It showed the ugly side of both the after affects of the war as well as how that mental state was compounded by how abominably the soldiers and nurses were treated and disrespected. Loved how an awful situation was redeemed, however, allowing a misery to become a passion and serve others who were hurting. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.