The Four Winds

Sometimes people are given a horrible position at birth either by economics, environmental conditions, or bad luck. The Four Winds helped me understand some of the great migrations that have occurred in this country and the motivations that inspired the move.

I came to root for Elsa, the flawed main character, who sincerely did the best she could for her son. I felt her pain, agony, and frustration when a series of bad events happened along her journey.

It wasn’t an easy read, but a necessary one to understand resilience, courage, strength, and doing what you have to do when… show more.

I found this book riveting. I don’t read a ton of historical fiction, but I just loved this one!

I learned so much about the Dust Bowl that I didn’t know and really felt for the characters and all of the challenges they faced. It’s one of those books you think about way after finishing it. I have recommended it over and over.

I loved The Four Winds because it made me feel a connection to my grandmothers who lived through the Great Depression. They never talked about it to me at all, but the ramifications were seen in their actions. I believe when you can make that kind of connection, it’s a triumph to the author. A great story.

One thing I loved about The Four Winds is that it blended three important historical things about the 1930s—the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and the struggles of farm laborers. A second thing I loved is that it made the environment/nature come alive in a way that few books do. 

The main character, Elsa Martinelli, struggles with issues that are common to women historically. Because of a sheltered early life, she must overcome numerous self-doubts to succeed and raise her two children despite almost insurmountable setbacks.

Hannah also captures the mood of the 1930s well and writes characters whom you’ll… show more.

The Four Winds is one of the best works of the author so far. A rich story of the Great Depression and the people who lived through it. The story like many of her other popular books portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The story revolves around Elsa – an indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice come to define a generation. It speaks of relationships, faith, family, and hope.

It is a heart-wrenching story that you will struggle to finish. The book is slightly thicker than usual, but it is the story that will… show more.