Five Fabulous Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is NOT an easy read. But, it’s important, and the writing is exquisite. This tale of one woman’s journey to save her family is gripping and powerful. Also, make sure you have a box of tissues nearby.
This historical novel is set in the 1930’s during the dust bowl years. It follows the life of Elsa Martinelli, and the many tough decisions she has to make in order to keep her family fed and safe.
This book is intense, gritty and depressing at times, however, it’s also about strength, courage, and perseverance. It’s a book that made me think about the way we treat other people, especially those we know nothing about.
I had to take a day to think about this book before I could write a review. I was mentally exhausted after reading the book. The topics addressed in the book were important and powerful, and kept me thinking for days afterward.
Now let’s get to the writing. Kristin Hannah fills this book with so many details about this time period that it’s easy to feel and see what these characters are going through. It’s the small details of everyday life that make this book so fascinating and believable.
I especially liked hearing about this tough time in history from a women’s point of view. I could emphasize with Elsa as she struggled to save her family.
About the Author: From Goodreads, “Kristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, which was named Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People’s Choice award for best fiction in the same year. Additionally, it was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week. Her novel, The Great Alone, was also voted as Goodreads best historical novel of the year in 2018.”