The Women: A Novel

Frankie and Henry prepare for their baby and small wedding. They have regular dinners with Frankie’s parents, and Henry and Frankie’s father get along despite differing political views. One day, Henry sees the heroes’ wall and asks why Frankie is not pictured. Frankie’s father insists she is finally going to live the life she was meant to—that of a wife and mother. Suddenly, a radio announces the end of the war, as Nixon signed a peace agreement.

In the weeks that follow, plans are made for the return of American POWs. Frankie follows the news, and the soldiers’ arrival in Manila is televised: Rye’s name is announced as being among the soldiers, mistakenly reported as killed in action. Frankie is uncertain what to do, though Ethel and Barb urge her to inform Henry. When the soldiers arrive at the San Diego airport, the three women are there to witness it. Frankie spots Rye and calls to him. However, when he runs to another woman with a child, she realizes he is married.

Ethel and Barb take Frankie home. Though uncertain, she decides to go through with her wedding. From a newspaper, she learns Rye married before he left for Vietnam.