The Four Winds
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.
The Four Winds is a deeply moving, powerful story about the strength and resilience of women and the bond between mother and daughter, by the multi-million-copy number one bestselling author of The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah.
Richard and Judy Book Club Pick
“This is a perfect winter read, stirring, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping and uplifting by turns. We loved it. We live such relatively cosseted lives today compared to the almost biblical challenges faced by Elsa and her children almost a century ago. First they struggle to survive on a drought-stricken farm on America’s Great Plains in the depression-cursed 1930s. Then, abandoned by Elsa’s feckless husband, they embark on an epic trek west to California. Will it be the land flowing with milk and honey? Will they even survive the journey?”
—Richard & Judy (February 2022)
PRAISE
“Kristin Hannah is a classic storyteller and The Four Winds sees her at the top of her game.”
Matt Haig
“Powerful and compelling”
Delia Owens, number one international bestselling author of Where the Crawdads Sing
“A story of love, family, unbreakable bonds, bravery and hope. I loved this book so much!”
Christy Lefteri, bestselling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo
“A rich, compelling novel of love, sacrifice and survival”
Kate Morton