Book cover of The Four Winds

Book description

"The Bestselling Hardcover Novel of the Year."--Publishers Weekly

From the number-one bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone comes a powerful American epic about love and heroism and hope, set during the Great Depression, a time when the country was in crisis and at war with itself, when…

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Why read it?

5 authors picked The Four Winds as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Sometimes people are given a horrible position at birth either by economics, environmental conditions, or bad luck. The Four Winds helped me understand some of the great migrations that have occurred in this country and the motivations that inspired the move.

I came to root for Elsa, the flawed main character, who sincerely did the best she could for her son. I felt her pain, agony, and frustration when a series of bad events happened along her journey.

It wasn’t an easy read, but a necessary one to understand resilience, courage, strength, and doing what you have to do when…

From Kimberly's list on books based on a true story.

I found this book riveting. I don’t read a ton of historical fiction, but I just loved this one!

I learned so much about the Dust Bowl that I didn’t know and really felt for the characters and all of the challenges they faced. It’s one of those books you think about way after finishing it. I have recommended it over and over.

I loved The Four Winds because it made me feel a connection to my grandmothers who lived through the Great Depression. They never talked about it to me at all, but the ramifications were seen in their actions. I believe when you can make that kind of connection, it’s a triumph to the author. A great story.

From Jerri's list on historical mysteries like Rebecca.

If you love The Four Winds...

Book cover of The Raffle Baby

The Raffle Baby by Ruth Talbot,

In The Raffle Baby, Ruth Talbot spins a luminous tale of three Depression-era orphans—Teeny, Sonny Boy, and Vic—riding the rails, chasing harvests, and stealing when they must.

Survival is their only destination, yet Teeny’s fantastical stories, told by firelight in hobo jungles and migrant camps, keep hope alive—including the…

One thing I loved about The Four Winds is that it blended three important historical things about the 1930s—the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and the struggles of farm laborers. A second thing I loved is that it made the environment/nature come alive in a way that few books do. 

The main character, Elsa Martinelli, struggles with issues that are common to women historically. Because of a sheltered early life, she must overcome numerous self-doubts to succeed and raise her two children despite almost insurmountable setbacks.

Hannah also captures the mood of the 1930s well and writes characters whom you’ll…

The Four Winds is one of the best works of the author so far. A rich story of the Great Depression and the people who lived through it. The story like many of her other popular books portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The story revolves around Elsa – an indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice come to define a generation. It speaks of relationships, faith, family, and hope.

It is a heart-wrenching story that you will struggle to finish. The book is slightly thicker than usual, but it is the story that will…

From Ashwini's list on those seeking a restart in life.

If you love The Four Winds...

Book cover of The Raffle Baby

The Raffle Baby by Ruth Talbot,

In The Raffle Baby, Ruth Talbot spins a luminous tale of three Depression-era orphans—Teeny, Sonny Boy, and Vic—riding the rails, chasing harvests, and stealing when they must.

Survival is their only destination, yet Teeny’s fantastical stories, told by firelight in hobo jungles and migrant camps, keep hope alive—including the…

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