A review by mackenziewrites
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende

dark emotional informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

 

When I picked this up from the library on a whim because I wanted to read more books by female authors of color, I did not even read the jacket summary. Upon starting the book, I was hesitant because I can only read so many WWII stories in a year. However, her storytelling was vivid and I continued on. I learned about the Kindertransport train out of Germany filled with soon-to-be orphans and, as a mother, my heart ached. Then we are introduced to new characters that have made similar journeys attempting to immigrate to the United States. As we face another term with Trump as president, I strongly urge people to read this book. Allende tells the heart-wrenching stories of children ripped from their parents during border crossings, the harrowing tales of why people are forced to leave their home countries, and the perils that parents risk to save their families. 

 

Not enough is shared about the conditions of the detainee camps that America has set up but these stories should be covered by every mainstream media outlet and influencer as we as a country are about to launch an unnecessary war on immigrants. 

 

Allende uses the third person for all of her character’s narrations as we jump from story to story, except in the case of Anita, a blind seven-year-old from El Salvador in foster care. We get to experience her stream of consciousness directly and get insight into how a disabled child in a new country without family and without the language skills to communicate bravely navigates her situation. Her inner monologue keeps us intrigued until the very end when we solve the mystery. 

 

This interconnected compilation of stories of children immigrating shows us that this hatred and violence toward others isn’t new. We can look back at history and learn from our mistakes to be a more compassionate and inclusive refuge for all. 

 

Side note: Anita’s journey with her vision inspired me to finally get the LASIK surgery I have been fearfully putting off for years. I now have 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts and my surgery was a breeze.