Kristin HannahThe Four Winds

I write this review with the same heavy heart that I wrote for “The Nightingale.” Ms. Hannah has a gift that, in my opinion, VERY FEW authors possess; storytelling with off- the- chart passion, vision and heart. As with my last read I am compelled to state that readers will be transported into the story and literally become one with the environment, the people, and the adverse conditions they experience. The stellar writing makes it virtually impossible to distance oneself from the story at hand.The drought, the deprivation, the betrayal, tests the human spirit beyond comprehension. Elsa and her children, Loreda and “Ant” must make a difficult decision. I don’t want to offer any spoilers because I believe readers need to allow the story to unfold for themselves naturally as they read. I will say, however, this story epitomizes the bond between mother/child that is cemented at birth and is life long. It is also a true self discovery novel for the main character, Elsa. Her mother in law, Rose, is an amazing woman and so insightful. One of my favorite passages is this one shared at the birth of Loreda…. “Believe me Elsa, this girl will love you as no one ever has… and make you crazy and try your soul, often all at the same time.” Elsa and Loreda’s relationship is similar to many mother/daughter relationships in life. But… LOVE endures despite the volatility. THAT is the definition of motherhood. “” Elsa: “You taught me love. You, first in the whole world, and my love for you will outlive me.”I STRONGLY recommend this book. I’m convinced it will enlighten you as it has me about a time and place in our country’s history known as the Dust Bowl in the central plains, the severe drought and The Great Depression. It helped me understand the plight of proud, hardworking families forced to migrate to the West for a perceived better life and the fight for a fair wage and living conditions. You go, Jack Valen! It is not a light read for the purpose of entertaining only. This story will touch you, soul deep. As with The Nightingale, I will never forget the story and its relevance in modern times too. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟…..♾️!The Audible narration is superb! 👍🏻👍🏻

A most wonderful book- surprised me with just how magnificently this story is told. Even though set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era, it is So surprisingly relevant today.

Page turner, but If found it sad. The characters were so vivid and the details were written to feel the weather and the storms. Excellent writing,

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is a tearjerker. It is about two of America’s harshest times: The Dust Bowl and The Great Depression. This historical novel uses real events and puts its character’s through tragedy and triumph. This novel can easily be compared to John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. However, it tweaks the story by offering a new perspective: what if Tom Joad was a single mother with kids? The new perspective changes everything. The character of Elsa is a single mother with two kids. She wants to break down but remains strong for herself and her kids. You will want to thank your mother after reading this book for all that she has sacrificed for you. This book will make you teary eyed as you go on a journey looking for a living wage. The story is based on true events. It makes you mad at how our fellow men and women are treated. Some are still treated this badly. The Four Winds captivated me right from the start. I connected with young naïve Elsa. Her fairy tale visions of love resonated with me. The story showcases grand character development. It takes a character so naïve and transforms her into someone so worldly. By the end, she almost can’t trust her fellow humans even when they’re trying to help. The novel is a bumpy road with so much heart that you fell every slight and every helpful gesture. Hannah will get into the soul of her characters and take you with them. This novel does have a little controversy. It features a communist character trying to bring others to his cause. Another character hears the communist pitch and is eager to join. Despite this, the novel is not a secret convert to communism. It has a communist character and another that becomes convinced to rally. You might find yourself going that communist had a point 80 years ago. This book is slightly pro-union. In those circumstances and working conditions, that was the smartest choice. It was the only real option. But still this book didn't change my view on unions some are good and some are bad.

I love this and every single character and story. I even leaned a lot of of historical truths. Thank you for writing such memorable book.