Set during the time of The Great Depression and the dust bowl that ravaged the Great Plains, The Four Winds tells the story of Elsa Martinelli and the incredible journey of her life. Growing up with abusive parents, Elsa believed her height and plain face made her unattractive so much so that when a naive, young Rafe Martinelli walked into her life she jumped at the opportunity to feel special.

From there the story jumps ahead in time to the early years of the Great Depression. Living at the Martinelli farm, Elsa, Rafe, their two children and Rafe’s parents are doing their best to survive the dust storms and famine. When tragedy strikes Elsa has to make the difficult decision on what path to lead her family down.

The journey Elsa takes throughout The Four Winds is heavy and intense. There are very few light moments in this book and the ending nearly broke me. Kristin Hannah is a gifted writer who’s words transported me to another time and era and made me feel like I had been there. The characters evolve in meaningful ways and while it’s on the higher page count, nothing feels overdone or for the sake of filler. This is my first Kristin Hannah novel and I am awaiting Nightingale next!