The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 464 pages
Published: February 2021

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah won Book of the Month’s book of the year for 2021, and I totally understand why. Unlike, The Love of my Life, this cover did not draw me in. Additionally, the synopsis did not seem like something I would enjoy reading, even though I do enjoy historical fiction. However, as I have learned first impressions can be deceiving. This book is currently one of my top 3 reads of 2022, and I’m so glad I selected it as my free book as part of Book of the Month’s BFF program. 

The story is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression in Texas and centers around Elsa, who at a young age got herself “into some trouble, in the family way.” Ultimately, she finds herself in a loveless marriage with two children and in-laws that have become her only family after her blood relatives disowned her. After suffering through the Dust Bowl, Elsa’s husband abandons his family. Elsa tries to maintain for a time but realizes she must attempt to travel west to the land of milk and honey to make a better life for her family. The remaining two-thirds of the book are about her survival as a single woman on the road to attain the American Dream by traveling west. 

This is the first book I’ve read by Hannah. Her writing is wonderful. She definitely has a gift for describing scenes in such a way that you feel as though you’re right there in that time period and in that emotion. If you read to escape your current reality, Hannah offers you that escape. The story is exceptional, and the characters are well developed and stayed with me long after I read the final page. 

Recommendation: The Four Winds is a must read for anyone, but especially for lovers of historical fiction. I highly recommend it!

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.