The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

4/5 Stars

I have yet to read a book by Kristin Hannah that I do not like, and The Four Winds is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that the book is full of sadness. In fact, I would have given this book 5/5 stars if it was a little less sad. It is neither happy nor uplifting, but Hannah does a great job portraying life during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era. If you are in the mood for an upbeat read, this book will not cut it. But if you are a Kristin Hannah and historical fiction fan, pick this one up and check it out.

A work of historical fiction, The Four Winds follows the life of Elsa Wolcott who is unloved by her family and made to feel she has no worth. Elsa’s future does not look promising. She is beyond the age of marriage, or so society and her family tell her. But then she meets Rafe Martinelli and gains the courage to change the projection of her life. Through a series of events, Elsa Wolcott becomes Elsa Martinelli and embraces life on the Martinelli’s farm. Soonafter, the Dust Bowl era begins and the drought that covers the Great Plains is menacing and relentless. Elsa has to make a difficult choice. The Four Winds follows her as she makes this choice and the difficulties that arise because of it.

Kristin Hannah has a wonderful style of writing. Her character development and storytelling skills draw the reader into the scenes within the pages of her books. I felt the emotions of the characters in The Four Winds, and I felt them fully. This book is well researched and well written and gives an honest and oftentimes difficult look into life at the time. The struggles, the politics, the social division, the American Dream, the hope, the discouragement, the heartbreak, the love, family bonds, and the fierce determination of one woman all come together beautifully to educate the reader and paint a comprehensive picture of life during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era. Check it out.