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The Four Winds  By  cover art

The Four Winds

By: Kristin Hannah
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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Publisher's summary

The Four Winds, an instant New York Times bestseller and Richard and Judy Book Club Pick, is a deeply moving story about the strength and resilience of women and the bond between mother and daughter, by the bestselling author of The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah.

She will discover the best of herself in the worst of times . . .

Texas, 1934. Elsa Martinelli had finally found the life she’d yearned for. A family, a home and a livelihood on a farm on the Great Plains. But when drought threatens all she and her community hold dear, Elsa’s world is shattered to the winds.

Fearful of the future, when Elsa wakes to find her husband has fled, she is forced to make the most agonizing decision of her life. Fight for the land she loves or take her beloved children, Loreda and Ant, west to California in search of a better life. Will it be the land of milk and honey? Or will their experience challenge every ounce of strength they possess?

From the overriding love of a mother for her child, the value of female friendship and the ability to love again – against all odds, Elsa’s incredible journey is a story of survival, hope and what we do for the ones we love.

©2021 Kristin Hannah (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Powerful and compelling." (Delia Owens, number one international best-selling author of Where the Crawdads Sing)

"A rich, compelling novel of love, sacrifice and survival." (Kate Morton)

"A masterclass." (Karen Swan)

What listeners say about The Four Winds

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So depressing

Absolute torture for the storyline to the narrator - couldn’t wait for the end of this book I did t like it at all

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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it's great

a story of love, heartbreak, survival, true beauty, courage and hope. it's exhausting but worth it.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful but depressing

Good heavens the first half of this book is depressing beyond all reason. The main characters just can't seem to catch a break. However it developes well and the history is very fascinating.

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Brilliant story and narration

I loved this book from start to finish. It did make me feel guilty about my lovely life though. Women today are so lucky that women like Elsa came before us.

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Beautiful story

A really beautiful story in a time in America that I know very little about. A real eye opener. Such strong people just striving to make a living and earn a decent wage. Many emotions throughout the story. Well done to Kristin Hannah for her approach and characters she used. Incredible narration by Julia Whelan. I loved the book.

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Amazing Read

I LOVED THIS BOOK...Í know its early in the year but I really feel this may be a Book of the Year nominee. It actually brought tears to my eyes, which honestly is very rare, and was a roller coaster ride. It an amazing mother/daughter story as well as a great story about a woman finding her own self & strength. A must read this year!

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Perfect

Great story indeed. A one story which touched my heart in a long time. Love it.

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An amazing and super important book!

The book is an amazing piece of art. After the first 5 minutes of the book I paused it and debated with myself whether I want to continue or not. I didn't really like the voice of Julia, by the end of the book I loved it and I think she is so gifted. This book had taught me so much!!!

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not too bad

the story line was okay and easy to listen to. ending was sudden, I was expecting more for the main character.

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A great deep read that will leave you appreciative

This was an excellent book, deep with chapters that you could just feel the constant struggle faced by Elsa. But press on, it makes the end so much more worthwhile. Another stunner by Kristin Hannah.

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