The Four Winds: A Novel: Hannah, Kristin: 9781250178602: Amazon.com: Books

This book really opens your eyes and helps you understand what the people of our country went through during the Dust Bowl years. It was hard to read how incredibly difficult it was to live & survive those times, all they endured. I love stories where you actually learn from history, and this book was certainly that. The author's writing was exceptional. However, I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5, just because of the utter hopelessness of Elsa's life-- it was so overwhelming, and never ending. I know life is not a fairy tale, but I was disappointed with the ending. I so wanted a happy-ever-after ending for Elsa after a lifetime of hard work and heartache. But overall, an unforgettable read.

Kristian Hannah has done it, again. She has quickly become my favorite modern author. Her writing style captives the mind and paints such palpable pictures, it’s hard to put down! The Four Winds is a thrilling, gut wrenching, heart throbbing tale of resilience among hard times. Mirroring her other novels, the focus is on strong female characters that defy all odds in the face of adversity. Definitely worth the read!

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! 👍🏻👍🏻