Kristin Hannah brings us a sweeping tale of the droughts and windstorms that took place on the heels of the Great Depression, and how it changed one family irrevocably. THE FOUR WINDS is a novel that is sure to stay on your mind every time you put it down. The imagery in this book was amazing and made the story feel so real. There were times when the words of this story were as beautiful as the land was brutal. The desolation was so palpable that every time I put it down, it took me a few minutes to shake the mood of this book. It was absolutely gut-wrenching. 

The highlight of this book, hands down, was Elsa. Elsa’s relationship with her family from the beginning was so devastating, but even after being told she’ll never amount to anything, she had grit and backbone. She was someone I loved rooting for. Elsa’s relationship with her mother-in-law was wonderful, as well. It was so clear how much her in-laws loved her, but always sad to me that she was so damaged by her parents that she couldn’t see it. I also enjoyed Elsa’s relationship with her daughter, and how mercurial it was. It was so realistic and heartbreaking, and as an adult, I could see how Loreda was going to feel about the way she treated her mother when she finally grew up. Basically, I loved Elsa’s relationship with everyone in this book. This is a strong woman who’s always kept her emotions at bay and worried about being a burden, even while holding those around her together without even knowing it. 

As I mentioned before the imagery in this book was so well done. I could see the cracks in the Earth, the falling down buildings, the creaky windmill...I could see it all so vividly. The atmosphere that the author created in this book was staggering.

As a reader, there is only so much hopelessness I can take. There was nothing hopeful in this book; it was all bleak. And while I didn’t realize it until a major event took place in this book, it hardened me emotionally. So much so that I didn’t bat an eye or shed a tear when I feel like I should have. If there had been some shred of hope or light, I think it could have really turned the story around for me. Also, at 76%, this book took a political turn that completely overtook the story. While I didn’t enjoy the "in your face" tone, I will say that I think this was a natural progression for the story; it really was the only place for this story to go. And I think many readers will enjoy this political bent. It just wasn’t for me.

THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah is a book that is sure to break your heart and sweep you away. Long-time fans of the author are sure to enjoy this latest offering.