Audiobook Club: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Listening to an audiobook counts as reading. I stand by that statement 1000%. Audiobooks have gotten me through the last few years when too busy to be able to sit down and devote myself to a written book. After asking friends on Instagram for suggestions I landed on listening to Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds.

Read on for my thoughts on The Four Winds and for the other suggested titles shared by my friends on Instagram!

About The Four Winds Audiobook

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel (not usually my style) that centers around Elsa Martinelli, a Texan woman living through, “hard times.” Set in the time of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, The Four Winds certainly puts into perspective the hard we are living through right now. It highlights many of the same plights that we are facing, but all without the advantage of internet, electricity, and running water.

The audio version is narrated beautifully by Julia Whelan.

Two different people suggested this audiobook so I had to give it a shot. I didn’t even look up the summary before purchasing—gotta love having extra Audible credits to burn. I needed a good “read” for a long car ride by myself and thought that two recommendations would seal the deal.

The Four Winds: Heartbreaking, Inspiring Look at Female Amecianism

First, I really was engaged by the book. Second, it was NOT the audiobook for a long car ride alone. SO MANY TEARS. It is also not a book for young ears.

I really felt drawn by Elsa’s no-nonsense manner, her desire to be loved, her hard-working heart, and the sacrifices she made as a mother. I was moved by the parallels painted between some of the frustrations of now and those of back when.

It was hard not to think of recent events when listening to the characters repeat the phrase, “this is not America.” Anyone looking to escape from the politics of today may want to hold off for a bit on this audiobook. However, if you want a good kick in the pants of “it could be worse” then listen as soon as possible.

The story alternates, and not exactly deftly, between Elsa’s character and that of her daughter as the story moves on. I wasn’t a huge fan of this. In general, I’m not a fan of changing between characters unless it is very pronounced– for instance as a chapter changes. I admit that this transition possibly happened, but I didn’t know as a listener instead of a reader.

In the end, the daughter’s perspective was needed and a vital part of the story. Her experience gave a depth that the story couldn’t have had otherwise.

Last Words

In the author’s note at the end of the novel, Kristen Hannah writes about this time we are in.

“As we know, there are lessons to be learned from history, hope to be derived by hardships faced by others. We’ve gone through bad times before and survived, even thrived. History has shown us the strength and durability of the human spirit. In the end, it is our idealism, and our courage, and our commitment to one another—what we have in common—that will save us.”

Kristen Hannah

That stayed with me long after I was done listening. If you like historical fiction or stories about strong women I recommend this book.

Audiobook Recommendations

Need more recommendations? Try one of these audiobooks that were suggested by friends on Instagram. Many of them have made my list!

(Note: The below links are affiliate links)

Featured photo is from my new home gym! If you haven’t seen the DIY home gym yet, check it out!