This story would have been a great supplement to learning about this era from a textbook, and Hannah clearly did her research. Their struggle for survival was fascinating to read about, especially since the events are historically based. To me, the most interesting part of the story was seeing how those who had lost everything to the environmental ruin of the Dust Bowl reacted to the apathy and greed of wealthy Americans.

For that reason, I think this book is a particularly timely release that may shine some hope upon dark times. Similar to pandemic circumstances, there was the constant loom of uncertainty and fear as people struggled to feed their families. I will start by saying that although I am not predisposed towards the Dustbowl/Great Depression era (or much of American history in the early 20th century), I did end up appreciating the insight as to how life would have treated someone during this time. Her newest historical fiction, The Four Winds, is the first I’ve read from her, and her reputation for gripping and heartbreaking stories held true…for the most part. Kristin Hannah is well-known within the realm of literary fiction for her tales of love and loss. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation. In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli-like so many of her neighbors-must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life.

One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains.

The four winds kristin hannah review