The Four Winds

THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah Leave it to me to choose a book that takes place during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years of 1930 to 1936 at this particular moment in time - not exactly the most uplifting of topics. If there’s one word to describe Elsinore “Elsa” Martinelli it would be *resilient* because she most definitely was. Elsa had everything stacked against her and then some! I did wonder if the author made a list of everything that could possibly have gone wrong to someone in those years and decided, “Yes, let’s put Elsa through that. And another bad thing! And this terrible one! Oh, let’s give her even *more* hardship because why not?” In short, this was depressing and bleak. However! This was also a very well written, readable and readable story. It will pull on your heart strings and provide a better understanding of the trials and sacrifices of the people who lived through/survived those years. Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

It is a well written series set during the Depression, with a relatable MC who turns out to be an amazingly strong woman. It was both entertaining and educational, as-- at least for me-- it taught me why unions exist and why they're necessary for poor workers. I enjoyed it because it started by getting you emotionally invested and then started feeding you bits of history as it went. Definitely recommend!

Plainly stated, I could not finish the book. Following Elsa's marriage to Rafe she moves in with his family, the Marinellis. The following eleven chapters are identical in content, dust storms and the associated hardships of the times. By chapter seventeen Elsa decides to relocate her family to California. The remaining eighteen chapters are identical in content as well, Elsa trying to provide for her children and the discrimination the family faces from Californians.

A gripping account of the economic conditions caused by the 1929 market crash, followed by the Great Depression, and the ravages of the Dust Bowl. A story of heartbreak and determination to survive. This is a book you won’t soon forget.

It just felt like it could have offered more. Just a downer.

Wasn’t sure in the first part of this story but I kept reading. This book sneaks up on you and when it does, you can’t put it down!! Must read!

This is one of the best books I ever read. I learned a lot from this book. Never knew much about those sad and hard times. A must read. You will not be able to put it down.

Four Winds had a huge water stain in the book. Ordered a cleaner version.

If I had read The Four Winds first I probably would have enjoyed it more. I read The Nightengale first and had very high expectations for The Four Winds. The depression era story has been told so many times it’s a little tiresome. No one could tell it like Steinbeck. Granted “Winds” had a slightly different twist but the background was very similar. I think the idea of a mother and children surviving in those surroundings as long as they did was a reach. I bought the book because The Nightengale was so well done.i guess it was hard to beat.

i cried in public at the end! wonderful book, ive been told it is not historically accurate though. i was deeply saddened for the main character the entire time.

I started and in the beginning I was like hmm not sure if I like the book but I decided to continue and then I couldn't put it down. Coming from Europe I didn't know about the dust bowls and so on, It was very interesting. I recommend it however might be spoiler alert now but it is a sad book I would have loved a different ending.

Beautifully written. Addicted from the first page. Strong female lead. This book brings you through all the struggles as a woman in tough times.

Writing is excellent. Historical fiction based in Texas then details the migration through the dust storms to California. Hannah gets you to visualize being there in all the dust storms, waking up with sand all around you in bed, coming through the roof; the mud from the drenching downpours at the migrant campsites. How Americans were looked down upon in that time due to no fault their own.

Good read! Love the history intertwined in the story.

This book will remind you to be grateful and how good we have it.

This book was so good. So many people had told me to read it and I am glad I did. It made me cry, it made me smile, it put me through all the emotions. I highly recommend it!

This was my first Kristin Hannah book and I was not bored. I'm usually not a fan of sagas: lots of things happening over a long period if time but it was a book club choice. (If I read saga in the review I usually go no further!) The poor main character was continually criticized by her parents because she wasn't pretty enough to attract a husband. The man she married, because he paid her some attention and provided her an escape from her parents, left her and their 2 children when the physical and emotional toll of the dust bowl was just too much for him. While he was losing strength to deal with their problems, our main character grew stronger and more determined to take care of her family. Her efforts take them to California, work camps, being kept in debt by the company store and witnessing/being involved in the emerging unions (and their connection with communism). Whew! But on the positive side, it has what I always like to see in a female character: someone who gains strength through perseverance and gets the job done. Also, historical fiction, where the reader learns about different time periods is always a plus. I do have one burning question: would it have changed the trajectory of the story that much, for it to have had a happier ending?!?! (Hopefully that's not too much of a spoiler!)

This story draws you in immediately. You feel such compassion for this young girl right away. All the characters are believable and have great depth. And the struggle during the depression was very real. I found this to be an excellent read. It’s one of my favorite books.