CATEGORIES: BOOK BLOG POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS, LITERARY FICTION, HISTORICAL FICTION
ABOUT THE BOOK
TITLE: THE FOUR WINDS
AUTHOR: KRISTIN HANNAH
GENRES: LITERARY FICTION, HISTORICAL FICTION, WOMEN’S FICTION
PUBLISHER: MACMILLAN AUDIO
PUBLISHING DATE: FEBRUARY 2ND, 2021
FORMAT: audiobook
NARRATOR: jULIA wHELAN
Source: audible, SELF-purchaseD
listening time: 15 HOURS, 2 MINUTES
Acclaimed author Kristin Hannah has crafted a powerful story about the strength of the human spirit, the unbreakable bond between mother and child, and the resilience needed to weather life's toughest storms...
GOODREADS summary
My Thoughts:
I had one of those rare moments when the Amazon book recommendations hit the mark. Ever since my mom and I read ‘Once In Every Life’ together during my teenage years, I’ve been a huge fan of Kristin Hannah. I devoured that romance novel and have revisited it multiple times over the years.
Naturally, when I discovered that she had penned a historical literary novel set in the era of The Great Depression, I became intrigued.
THE PLOT
“The Four Winds” was a rollercoaster of events, most of which were grim. It all begins when Elsa, a neglected young woman yearning for excitement, decides to seek adventure at a speak-easy. Upon her return, she finds herself ruined, much to her parents’ dismay. Instead of supporting their daughter, her parents place their reputation above Elsa’s well-being.
Elsa’s unending quest for love and an ideal family life, which she never obtained, serves as the central theme of this tale.
It’s not only a mother-daughter love story but also a tale of coming of age. Both the characters of Elsa and her daughter, Loreda, learn to appreciate one another and grow stronger together in an unjust world.
At times, this story reads like an American dystopian novel, particularly when highlighting The Dust Bowl occurring in the Great Plains and the class struggle between the haves and the have-nots.
One aspect I appreciated about “The Four Winds” is how the corruption and pay-to-play politics uncomfortably mirror our present state of affairs.
In the end, I would have enjoyed this novel more if there were more triumphant moments to balance out the lows.
THE CHARACTERS
Elsa Martinelli’s character is tragically neglected, evoking true empathy. Kristin Hannah has crafted an engaging backstory that allows readers to comprehend Elsa’s neuroses and her desperate need to please others.
With each heartbreak, Elsa grows stronger and more resilient. As her world grows harsher, so does her protective shell, all in the name of safeguarding her children. I couldn’t help but cheer when she finally found her voice and stood up for herself.
"It was always about the men. They seemed to think it meant nothing to cook and clean and bear children and tend gardens. But we women of the Great Plains worked from sunup to sundown, too, until we were as dry and baked as the land we loved."
On the other hand, Loreda is a beautiful, outspoken, occasionally vengeful individual who often gives her mother a hard time. Reading her point of view chapters was delightful, especially as she often displays more courage and common sense than the adults.
The secondary characters are well-crafted and serve their purposes, although I would have liked more insight into Elsa’s husband’s psyche.
THE WRITING STYLE
Hannah’s prose is exquisite. The pacing is perfect, at no point did I grow bored or stop caring about these characters.
The emotional moments evoked a range of feelings, tugging at my heartstrings. Elsa struggle to not only keep her children fed and clothed, but to do her best to make them happy as well, had my heart in a tourniquet.
The internal dialogue provides valuable insight into both Loreda and Elsa’s inner thoughts, making readers truly feel their heartbreak, joy, and fears as the story unfolds.
An almost flawless read! The only factor preventing it from being a five-star rating is that the low moments far outweigh the highs. I suppose that is to be expected in a book about The Great Depression, but it is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
I highly recommend reading this with your mom, as it is a tear-jerking reminder of the incredible strength and fierceness of a mother’s love. It also sheds light on how often children fail to appreciate the sacrifices their mothers make for their family.
The audiobook narration by Julia Whelan is perfection as she evokes the spirit of each character to the point you feel as though you are transported into the story.
If this sparks your interest, grab your copy here. Happy Reading!
Have you read this title or any of Kristin Hannah’s other works? If so, drop a comment below with your thoughts.