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mtthompson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Kristin Hannah does it again. She tackles the complicated mother daughter relationship in this unique character story of a family escaping the trials of the dust bowl only to find more discrimination and hardship on the other side.
monewaite's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mj470's review
2.0
Sixteen year old me, while slogging through all 619 pages of The Grapes of Wrath would never have believed that I would find a book about the dust bowl I disliked more. Here we are. The history is intense and difficult and that's not what bothered me here. This felt like a very modern take on different times. I also found the perspective of Loreda the daughter very stock fiesty female character and lacking in originality or depth.
midwifereading's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful, deeply melancholy story rich with hope. The mother/daughter relationship felt personal and real. The characters have depth, and stories that beg to be followed through to the end. Hannah's ability to paint a setting is intensely immersive. I swear I could feel the dust in my throat as Black Sunday swept across the plains. I felt like I was there.
My only complaints are, 1) that the birth scenes were unrealistic, as most are, so not unexpected. Still, for a book so centered on women, it was annoying to have those scenes so stripped of power. And 2) there was a little too much telling, and not showing when it came to Elsa's emotional development early in the story. Just snippets that caught my eye that I felt could have been done a little better.
That said, the ending made me cry. Like, I had to go get tissues. Like, for real tears. The character arcs are sweeping and beautiful. I love character-driven narratives, and this book satisfied that love. Gorgeous story. Vivid setting. Characters you can root for and hurt with. Loved it!
My only complaints are, 1) that the birth scenes were unrealistic, as most are, so not unexpected. Still, for a book so centered on women, it was annoying to have those scenes so stripped of power. And 2) there was a little too much telling, and not showing when it came to Elsa's emotional development early in the story. Just snippets that caught my eye that I felt could have been done a little better.
That said, the ending made me cry. Like, I had to go get tissues. Like, for real tears. The character arcs are sweeping and beautiful. I love character-driven narratives, and this book satisfied that love. Gorgeous story. Vivid setting. Characters you can root for and hurt with. Loved it!
ashleyspehar's review against another edition
4.0
“I want to be brave” -Elsa Martinelli
And that’s just what she did. I loved the beginning of the story and the ending! It’s truly a testament to a mother’s love and a woman’s determination. About finding her worth and her bravery in even the every day things.
The Dust Bowl isn’t something I remember learning much about in school. Part of me wished I had read this book then to give me a better understanding of what went on during the great depression into the farmers in our country, but I also know if I had read this as a teenager I wouldn’t appreciate it as much as I do today, especially as a mother.
The middle of the story was borderline depressing and I just felt so bad for this poor woman and her children going through such a hard time. But that’s the point. I found myself hoping something exciting would happen and it was mostly one misfortune after another. But without it, the ending wouldn’t be what it was.
And that’s just what she did. I loved the beginning of the story and the ending! It’s truly a testament to a mother’s love and a woman’s determination. About finding her worth and her bravery in even the every day things.
The Dust Bowl isn’t something I remember learning much about in school. Part of me wished I had read this book then to give me a better understanding of what went on during the great depression into the farmers in our country, but I also know if I had read this as a teenager I wouldn’t appreciate it as much as I do today, especially as a mother.
The middle of the story was borderline depressing and I just felt so bad for this poor woman and her children going through such a hard time. But that’s the point. I found myself hoping something exciting would happen and it was mostly one misfortune after another. But without it, the ending wouldn’t be what it was.
treehugger513's review against another edition
5.0
This book was the perfect amount of history and plot. I loved it so much. Tears definitely found me near the end.
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
4 not 5 stars because the story was just too depressing. Wonderful writing and a story that everyone should read - but so sad.