The Four Winds
The Four Winds is a rich, sweeping novel that stunningly brings to life The Great Depression and the people who lived through it — the harsh realities that divided us as a nation and the enduring battles between the haves and the have-nots. A testament to hope, resilience and the strength of the human spirit to survive adversity, The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.
PRAISE FOR ‘THE FOUR WINDS’
- #1 New York Times Bestseller
- #1 USA Today Bestseller
- #1 Indie Bestseller
- #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller
- #1 Los Angeles Times Bestseller
- #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
- #1 Globe & Mail Bestseller
- Today Show “Read With Jenna” Book Club Pick
- Indie Next Selection
- Amazon Spotlight Pick
- #1 Library Reads Selection
- Book of the Month Club Selection
“Through one woman’s survival during the harsh and haunting Dust Bowl, master storyteller, Kristin Hannah, reminds us that the human heart and our Earth are as tough, yet as fragile, as a change in the wind. This mother’s soul, suffering the same drought as the land, attempts to cross deserts and beat starvation to save her children with a fierce inner strength called motherhood. A timely novel highlighting the worth and delicate nature of Nature itself.”
–DELIA OWENS, AUTHOR OF WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
“Powerful. Unforgettable. Triumphant.”
–PAULA McLAIN, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE PARIS WIFE
“This American epic delivers a message of hope and heroism. I loved every page.”
–CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE EXILES
“Epic and transporting, a stirring story of hardship and love…Majestic and absorbing.”
–USA TODAY
“Brutally beautiful.”
–NEWSWEEK
“For devoted Hannah fans in search of a good cry.”
–KIRKUS
“Through it all, it is easy to feel Hannah’s desire to honor those who lived and fought through this devastating time in history. The Four Winds is also an ode to the strength and ferocity of mothers, and a declaration that sometimes, love is the only thing that holds us together. Above all else, The Four Winds is merely a really good story, one that hits you in all the right places and will keep surprising you until the end.
–AP
“Hannah brings Dust Bowl migration to life in this riveting story of love, courage, and sacrifice…combines gritty realism with emotionally rich characters and lyrical prose that rings brightly and true from the first line.”
–PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (STARRED REVIEW)
“Through Elsa’s eyes, readers travel through the Great Depression era and experience firsthand the difficulties faced in the Great Plains. Historical fiction readers will become immersed in this poignant story by Hannah (The Nightingale; The Great Alone) and will enjoy witnessing Elsa’s transformation from fragile, insecure girl to fearless, resilient woman.”
–LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED REVIEW)
“Outstanding…(A) rich, rewarding read about family ties, perseverance, and women’s friendships and fortitude.”
–BOOKLIST (STARRED REVIEW)
“The Four Winds is a sweeping epic about an American struggling to keep her family afloat. It feels eerily timely as it highlights the ways women rally during a national crisis.”
–REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE
“Fans of The Nightingale won’t be disappointed with the author’s newest work, and they’ll warn you—if you don’t know already—to keep the tissues handy.”
–KMUW (WICHITA LOCAL NPR)
“A spectacular tour de force of survival that shines a spotlight on the indispensable but often overlooked role of Greatest Generation women.”
–People Magazine, Book of the Week
EXPLORE 'THE FOUR WINDS'
ORDER THE BOOK
Audiobook
Firefly Lane
Now on Netflix
The Great Alone
ON SALE IN PAPERBACK
Alaska, 1974. Untamed. Unpredictable. And for a family in crisis, the ultimate test of the human spirit.
Goodreads Best Historical Novel of 2018
An Instant #1 New York Times Print and Print/eBook Bestseller
New York Times Audiobook Bestseller
The Nightingale
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning
In love we find out who we want to be.
In war we find out who we are.
Goodreads Best Historical Novel of 2015
People’s Choice Favorite Fiction Winner
Amazon Best Book of the Year
LATEST NEWS
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Kristin Hannah
Hello all, I am back in my natural habitat—misty Seattle—and ready to get back to work. I said a sad au revoir (but never goodbye) to my beloved Kauai and feel so grateful for my time there after this tough year. Time near the ocean soothes my ragged soul. But I’ve been playing hooky long enough. Time to roll up my sleeves and get out my first yellow pad and fire up my imagination again. Wish me luck on #kristinhannahsnextbook. Whatever that may be! #beginningsaregreat #backtowork
Welcome back home, from Duvall here. Glad you had a good time in Kauai. =)
I'm sure the next book will be great. Just like all your other books. Your stories are always captivating and page turners. And your writing style and grammar are impeccable. I don't find that true of all authors. Looking forward to your next book. Enjoy the journey!
You are such an amazing writer with great female characters/development-thank you! I have a Kristin Hannah collection.
Loved four winds so much that I bought the book for my 2 daughter in law’s for Mother’s Day. Happy you had a nice vacation and look forward to your next book
Good luck on your next book! I know it will be another winner. All of your books are incredible. Can’t wait for the next amazing story.
Kauai is wonderful. We’ve been there several times. It is magical. I love the artistic Hanepepe, Waimea cottages, shave ice, and the Na Pali cliffs. Aloha.
Best of luck! You look ready for the task! I work in a library and I love discussing all of your books with patrons! 💗
Good luck! I love your work! Four Winds was informative and inspiring. I've just written a historical fiction about the Nebraska prairie in 1875--the story of my great grandparents.
Inspiration will hit and you’ll run with it! Good luck!
Would love to read about the American Revolution/Colonial era or Pioneers traveling West in 1840s in covered wagons. Very interesting time periods with lots of room for strong female lead characters 💚
Can’t wait for your next book! You’re an awesome storyteller. I get pulled in right from the start!
Just finished Winter Garden and read Firefly Lane, Fly Away, The Great Alone and The Nightingale before that. Loved them all and can't wait for what's next!
It is going to be hard to surpass the Four Winds, Nightingale and the Great Alone. But you will, like always
Good Luck with your next book! I’m from MN and I LOVE Kauai, too! The rejuvenation from the ocean and surroundings will surely provide you with inspiration for your next endeavor.
Just finished “The Four Winds”. It was fantastic...... Love all your books.. !!! Have read them all.. Thank you!!
Hi Kristin! I just finished Four Winds and had to tell you it broke my heart. I pretty much cried, start to finish. I also loved it and the characters and wanted to say thank you for another wonderful read. ❤️
Finished The Four Winds, thanks for such amazing historical fiction. I’ve told my girls and friends how your books are truly life changing, they bring life and strength to the hardest times. This one and Winter Garden did change me. I’ve read them all! Always waiting for more 🤗❣️
Get to work! We need to relish in your newest masterpiece! The masses are waiting! Btw, thank you for sharing your talent with us!
Good luck! I’m on chapter 9 in Night Road! Loving it and I have no idea where it’s heading! I love that!
Kristin Hannah, I received your new novel, The Four Winds, for a Mother’s Day gift. I’m enjoying it so much and I have to tell you, the cover and end pages are so gorgeous!! Happy Mother’s Day to you, too!!
Please never stop writing. You are my favorite author of all time. Good luck on the next book! Can't wait to see where your imagination takes us all next!💕💕💕
So glad you keep writing. Just finished Nightingale and Firefly Lane. Never cried so much when reading, in a good way. I love that I learn from you. Thanks bunches.
Welcome back, lovely lady & my favorite author, can't wait for your next book!
I am reading The Four Winds and it's heartbreaking, beautiful, powerful and transformative. I feel as though I am walking the journey with Elsa and Loretta. Well done again!
Glad you had some great down time but this is good news for your readers and fans! Can’t wait! I know it’s going to be great!
It’s pub day for my friend, Pam Jenoff! Big congratulations on #thewomanwiththebluestar @pamjenoff! I can’t wait to dive into it. Here’s hoping you enjoy the whirlwind of zoom touring as much as I did! #kristinhannah #pamjenoff #ww2fiction #historicalfiction
I loved Lost Girls of Paris and I am looking forward to reading this one.
Ordered❤️ Love Pam’s books. It seems like all my favorite authors have books coming out now. My Visa is smoking🤪
I love how my favorite authors support each other! 🥰
I liked The Lost Girls of Paris. Plan to read this one. (After “The Four Winds”).
Introducing us to great authors. This is extremely helpful👌🏻
Have a question re: Firefly Lane. Heard it on audio so may have missed it. Did Cloud ever tell Tully the secret that Grandma was keeping from her? She started to when she was in the hospital, but fell asleep.
This is an excellent book!
Because that's your original spirit when you procreated me so si Amb..Kristie Kenney ang love ko.
also please read my friend , April Smiths book, A Star for Mrs Blake. as the mother of submarine officer stationed here In Washington.I proudly fly the blue star. God be with all the Gold star moms
I’m about 60 pages in! Amazing so far!
I am looking forward to reading The Woman with the Blue Star.
Looking forward to this one!!
I just yesterday finished her The Diplomat's Wife and delighted to have a new one to start. Thanks for the recommendation.
I have enjoyed all of Jenoff's books will be looking for this one at my used book store
So many good books out now, can’t wait to read this one
I love you Amb. Krisfie Kenney.
This book looks so good!
Another one of my favorite authors! I love all her books
Just finished this one. I liked it, however, I had to go back and reread a couple of the last chapters. I missed something as I found in the epilogue--read carefully.
Had Pre-ordered and started last night. Pulled me in at the first page. Looking forward to getting deeper.
Been waiting for this one!
I’ll add this to my list! Loved her last one.
Love her books!
I’m so excited for this book! Both of you are favorites to read!
Yay! Congratulations!
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, whom I miss daily. And a shout out to all of the important women in my life—mothers, sisters, friends, mentors. It’s a great day to remember the special women in our lives and to reach out if possible and say “I love you.”
#warriorwomen #kristinhannah
May 9
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, whom I miss daily. And a shout out to all of the important women in my life—mothers, sisters, friends, mentors. It’s a great day to remember the special women in our lives and to reach out if possible and say “I love you.”
#warriorwomen #kristinhannah
Hello all, I am back in my natural habitat—misty Seattle—and ready to get back to work. I said a sad au revoir (but never goodbye) to my beloved Kauai and feel so grateful for my time there after this tough year. Time near the ocean soothes my ragged soul. But I’ve been playing hooky long ...
May 7
Hello all, I am back in my natural habitat—misty Seattle—and ready to get back to work. I said a sad au revoir (but never goodbye) to my beloved Kauai and feel so grateful for my time there after this tough year. Time near the ocean soothes my ragged soul. But I’ve been playing hooky long enough. Time to roll up my sleeves and get out my first yellow pad and fire up my imagination again. Wish me luck on #kristinhannahsnextbook. Whatever that may be! #beginningsaregreat #backtowork