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The Women,
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Karla
That stood out to me as well. However, later in the book it is revealed that, at that time, PTSD was just beginning to come to the forefront as a diagnosed disorder. So perhaps there weren't as many definitive signs outlined for diagnosing??
judith
I found it believable that Henry saw exactly what was going on & took advantage of Frankie's vulnerability. As a psychiatrist, he knew what PTSD was even if that label wasn't being used yet. He asked her about flashbacks & the screaming in the night, so he knew she fit the profile, but downplayed it because he wanted to date her, which bothered me the whole time.
Cassandra
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Melissa Polley
In my opinion, he knew she had issues but you can’t force help on someone who isn’t ready to admit they need help yet. Frankie wasn’t there yet.
Michele Gerlach
I felt like Henry knew she had issues from the moment he met her. One of his first questions was "Do you have nightmares?"
Suraj Paul
The portrayal of Henry's character in this specific scene might indeed raise some eyebrows for readers. It's reasonable to question why a trained psychiatrist, especially one specializing in treating veterans, wouldn't recognize Frankie's extreme reaction to fireworks as a sign of deeper trauma. The scene could be interpreted as a missed opportunity to delve into the complexities of PTSD and the challenges faced by veterans in reintegrating into civilian life.
However, it's also possible that the author intentionally chose to portray Henry in this way to highlight the limitations of even professional understanding when it comes to the invisible wounds of war. It could also serve to emphasize Frankie's own denial and reluctance to confront her trauma, even when it manifests in such a dramatic way.
However, it's also possible that the author intentionally chose to portray Henry in this way to highlight the limitations of even professional understanding when it comes to the invisible wounds of war. It could also serve to emphasize Frankie's own denial and reluctance to confront her trauma, even when it manifests in such a dramatic way.
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