By 1933, Texas is in the throes of a severe drought. He fantasizes about traveling and adventure, filling Loreda’s head with similar fantasies. When Elsa gives birth to Loreda, Tony and Rose love their grandchild immediately and eventually accept Elsa as the daughter they never had.Įlsa finds that the hard work of farming agrees with her, but Rafe’s dreams lie elsewhere.

Disowned by her parents for casting shame upon the family, Elsa marries Rafe and is taken in by Tony and Rose Martinelli, Rafe’s parents. When Elsa is swept off her feet by Rafe Martinelli, an 18-year-old son of a local farmer, their romantic affair leaves Elsa pregnant. Elsa is 25, and her parents, wealthy members of the local social scene, consider her too old and too plain for marriage, relegating her to the status of spinster. I recommend The Four Winds for anyone who enjoys historical connection and an exploration of the deeply human experience of struggle, growth, and perseverance.The Four Winds tells the story of Elsa Wolcott, a young woman born and raised in Texas during the boom years of the 1920s. The time period, set of situations, and authentic portrayal of traumatic events pack this book with tension and may unleash a range of emotions for most readers. Just as she endured injustices, we still see a myriad of problems today in our attempt to work together toward a brighter future. Reading the plight of Elsa Wolcott Martinelli reminds me that our current times are a fair amount kinder than those of the past. I believe it is a matter of perspective when we face struggles. The women of this adventure of The Four Winds show their strength and courage, inspiring me to keep my head up despite a world I get discouraged with at times. Since I grew up on a family farm among other farmers, the reliance on the land and factors we couldn’t control strikes a chord for me. There was no stimulus check, food given to school children, or aid to save an evicted homeowner or farm. Hard working folks fell victim to drought, weather, and the greed of the wealthy in those days. Yet, the pressures of life and struggle to simply survive were accurately portrayed in this story reminding me of how humans tend to face similar bouts of judgement and struggle against inequality. Sure, we think we have it hard, especially lately. Hannah’s beautiful and honest depiction of an era we feel further removed from than ever – The Great Depression, is a welcome reminder of our circular patterns in history. As a consistent fan of Kristin Hannah, I had to order this new release the moment it popped up on Amazon.

The four winds review