A review by gissellereads
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was very sad and depressing. You have to be in the right mindset before reading it. I think that even though there is so much sadness in this book there is a lot of love and hope. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their development throughout the story. There’s a few things within the plot that I didn’t love but overall I think this is a great historical fiction book. I hadn’t read any historical fiction books set in the great depression and the dust bowl so I am glad I pick this one up.

I saw many not so great reviews criticizing this book because it was so sad and “how could she release such a sad book in these hard times”. It makes me sad to see those reviews because if you know anything about publishing is that books are often written years before they are published. I don’t blame Kristin Hannah and the publisher for releasing it now. You get to choose what you read and when so if a sad book is too much for you right now then don’t read it. Common sense says that a book set in the great depression will definitely be sad.

I listened to the audiobook (another Julia Whelan amazing narration!) and I recommend that format. The audiobook also includes an interview with the author at the end that was really good. Don’t skip that if you listen to the audiobook. Overall, I don’t think this is the best Kristin Hannah book but I am glad I read it.