Would you have had the courage to do the same? It binds us, one to another, as it has for generations. How did the story work for you on audio? How is Elsa shaped by these expectations and her failure to meet them? The second date is today's In the 1930s, communism and socialism were on the rise, partially in response to the grinding poverty, joblessness, and despair. Elsa is likewise drawn to Jacks forceful personality, but she sees his ideas as dangerous. Both Elsa & Loreda, are very strong personalities, which eventually find common ground & are able to come together in family love & unity! (The Detailed Plot Summary is also available, below), (The one-paragraph version: During the Dust Bowl in the Texas Panhandle, Elsa Wolcott is a woman who dreams of going to college, but gets pregnant instead and has two kids. In a very real sense, its sort of the core of it, she says. Elsa is reluctant to leave Texas, as she has found the only true happiness she has ever known on the Martinelli farm. "Come in," she said. Another small defiance against her parents small-mindedness? The Martinellis farm, which previously yielded plentiful supplies of wheat, dies under the scorching sun. Chapter 5 Summary. I think that has real messages for today.. They willingly sacrificed for each other and did what they could to help. Sam Shepherds work or Truman Capotes work denies the power of the kindness of strangers you may want to read Cold Millions by Jess Walters and then be that kind person who reaches across to do great good work. Overtones of America's present political struggles echo throughout the novel's events. Jack eventually finds Elsa and her family a permanent residence on Welty Farms, but Elsa soon discovers that its not the boon she expected. The doctor advises Elsa to get out of Texas. A time of abundance. If youre looking for another epic style story, The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd is a great choice. Why does the Martinelli family stay under such brutal conditionsthe heat, the dust storms, the lack of food, and the dying livestock? Unloved by her family, she falls for the sweet words of Rafe, a younger man who woos her but is not ready for the responsibility of fatherhood. What does Rafe represent to Elsa on the night they meet? Climate disaster is a threat, then and now. Most of the things that come up are facts that youd probably heard about in history class, but having it placed into the context of a vivid and expansive story really brought to life a time period that Ive never really spent much time thinking about. Even if they didnt speak of their love, or share their feelings in long, heartfelt conversations, the bond was there. by Kristin Hannah. by Kristin Hannah. How do Elsa and her family remain unbroken even while enduring crippling poverty, food and shelter insecurity, and living in a town that is hostile to them? Ed. What differences can you see in the two difficult times? So even the 30s were so long ago, I think people will see some of our societys current problems made an appearance then as well. Did any novel and/or character change your perception of either yourself or the world? California is promised as the land of milk and honey and opportunity. Did you feel compressed by expectation when you were growing up? His efforts seem largely inspired by the memory of his mother, a single woman who died in a factory fire after her employers locked the factory doors to prevent employees from taking smoke breaks. Did you identify with Elsa and her journey throughout this book? I wrote it for at least a year, and Elsa was kind of a peripheral character, Hannah says. Going into the novel, I had wondered how much of the trip from Texas to California would be covered. What do we know now that people didnt know then? As the drought worsens and the dust storms become more severe, Anthony, Elsa and Rafes son, becomes sick, eventually requiring hospitalization. If you listened to the audiobook, did anyone else notice how the narrator pronounces drought as DROW-TH a bunch of times? Different translations give . . With her reputation in ruin, there is only one respectable choice: marriage to a man she barely knows. I make wine from grape cuttings that I brought here from Sicily, and the wine I make reminds me of my father. Elsa uses her voice to speak out against the oppressors. Elsa is a dutiful, hardworking woman who always does her best for her family. Edit: Someone in the comments mentioned that its mentioned at some point that people in that area pronounced drought as DROW-TH at that time in that case, I love that the narrator included it in the audiobook! The Four Winds is a historical fiction novel that tells a survival story centered around a mother and her daughter. This may not be the book for you. On Feb. 3, Netflix launched the series adaptation of Hannahs Firefly Lane, the 2008 novel about best friends Tully and Kate starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. Its a great book to chat about, and Ive included some discussion questions below if youre needing ideas on topics. Overall, I liked it. Already a member? There, Elsa discovers a tight community of fellow migrants, and she befriends Jean Dewey, who shares resources and survival tips. who recently moved to Cambridge, MA. Lets talk about the similarities they share and how different it is from Elsa. And I really began to want to write a quintessentially American novel about some story of lost history that I thought would be as emotional and as inspiring as The Nightingale.. From the number-one bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone comes a powerful American epic about love and heroism and hope, set during the Great Depression, a time when the country was in crisis and at war with itself, when millions were out of work and even the land seemed to have turned against them. They are disheveled and unkept by the time they arrive, and people are rude to them. What did you think of Elsa as a character, and did your perception of Elsa shift throughout the novel? The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Does anyone know where that may be on the web? They pack up the truck and head west, while Tony and Rose stay behind to salvage what they can of the farm. Why do you think Loreda doesnt take her education that seriously? She visited Dalhart, Texas, the town where Elsas story begins, and later, after driving remnants of Route 66 west to California, spent time at the Sunset migrant camp near Arvin, in order to see the conditions into which she later placed Elsa and her children. In what ways does hope anchor us in the moment, and in what ways does it push us forward? Hope is a coin I carry. What does she learn by becoming a mother? The accent she does for the dialogue parts is more southern than Texan (where the characters are from), and it slips in and out at times, but I cant imagine that most people will notice or care. Did they impact your perception of the characters? I guess the big question iswhat can we learn from history and how to avoid repeating the same mistakes? Spoiler Alert:Please note that the discussion guide below contain spoilers to the book. Jack has a strong sense of justice, and he uses it to fight for those who lack the social capital to fight for themselves. Because its a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and our ability to not only survive hardship but to ultimately thrive, she says. He has dreams of moving to a big city and having adventures but is forced to give up his chance to attend college in the city after Elsa becomes pregnant. With the extreme poverty conditions, theres often remarks about how its inconceivable that this is taking place in America in the 30s. What do you think prompts the changes in her behavior or in their relationship? All 68 characters in The Four Winds are listed by chapter with character descriptions included. The Four Winds is divided up into four sections, each detailing events from (roughly) that year. How did she finally come to understand her mother and her choices through a new lens? The Greatest Generation was shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. Meanwhile, her parents-in-law sweep and sweep, trying to rid the house of ever-accumulating dust. By 1934, the world has changed; millions are out of work and drought has devastated the Great Plains. One day, Rafe abandons them with only a note. Before Elsa dies, she asks Jack to take her kids home to Texas. The "four winds" encompass all directions or the " four corners of the earth ": north, south, east, and west ( Jeremiah 49:36; Matthew 24:31 ). But these ninth inning fumbles do little to diminish the overall power of this majestic and absorbing story that turns attention to the unsung women of the Dust Bowl, who worked from sunup to sundown, too, toiled on wheat farms until we were as dry and baked as the land we loved.. Here are some more recommendations along with links to book club questions. The past few years have been difficult, with the Great Depression, an on-going drought and frequent dust storms ravaging the lands. The catalyst for her decision is the death of her best friend, Jean Dewey, who dies from typhoid in a roadside encampment. Why do you think Loreda decides to decisively shoot Milo, a horse that she loves? When word of a strike begins to spread, Mr. Welty implements increasingly cruel measures to ensure that his workers cannot organize, including rescinding their federal aid and installing a gun tower in the cotton fields. She sees early on that the land is dying and tries hard to convince her family to leave for California, though much of this desire is based on the fanciful notions that Rafe has instilled in Loreda about living in a big city and becoming famous. Courage is fear you ignore. Discuss this. In 1920s America, there was significant prejudice against Italians; we see that prejudice in Elsas own family. By 1934, the world has changed; millions are out of work and drought has devastated the Great Plains. It had resurrected all the insecurities of childhood. (66) If youre a parent, did this passage resonate with you? She wished shed never read The Age of Innocence. She believes that Elsa is the one inhibiting their dreams and does not understand how her mother can work so hard around the farm for so little payoff. Do you think the American Dream is a reality or a myth? If so, how? She has the capacity to dream big and embrace change like her father, but she also has her mothers stubborn determination and fierce protective drive. How does Hannahs description of the experience of migrant workers traveling from the South to California compare with the modern day treatment of immigrants looking for work? (1) What is the significance of the fact that it is an American penny? One of Tony's friend and neighbor. Gia: Composto: Rafe's fianc. To save money, spend a night in a tent camp with other migrants, only to learn that wages for migrant work are so low that they'll have to stay there indefinitely. Your email address will not be published. She runs away and hitches a ride with Jack Dewey, who works for a Communist organization, Workers United. Kristin Hannahs absorbing new novel begins just a few years before, when it seemed as if Elsa Wolcottmight finally have a peaceful, fulfilling life ahead. She misses her mother. Over time, she comes to view Rose and Tony as her real parents, as they love and support her in a way that her birth parents never did. Despite Elsas promise that their stay in the camp is only temporary, the scarcity of work and the meager wages force them to settle in for the long haul. Do you think sharing these stories will make a difference to future generations? Grounded in meticulous research and written with a reverential approach to Jesuss life that focuses on his humanity,The Book of Longingsis an inspiring, unforgettable account of one womans bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place and culture devised to silence her. We flash forward to 1934 and the farm is experiencing a severe drought. Tony is proud of his land, and he is convinced that it will provide for him and his family so long as he continues to nurture it. Why do you think Rose and Tony are so determined to stay on the land? Do they intend to exclude Elsa, whom they perceive as just a workhorse? What bonds Loreda and her father? Rafe is her only surviving child, and she admits to having spoiled him as a result. After a grueling journey across the Mohave Desert, Elsa finally reaches the lush fields of Californias San Joaquin Valley, and she is hopeful for the first time in months. When he loses yet another job, he makes the impulsive decision to move his wife and daughter north where they will live off the grid in Americas last true frontier. Rafe's abandonment of his family is based on a widespread phenomenon that occurred during the Dust Bowl era, as increasingly destitute and desperate men abandoned their families in order to. Loreda says theyre like a plant that can only grow in one place. Lets discuss what Loreda is saying here. After trying to convince Elsa to leave behind the farm, Rafe eventually leaves the family behind. The Four Winds is a rich, sweeping novel that stunningly brings to life the Great Depression and the people who lived through itthe harsh realities that divided us as a nation and the enduring battle between the haves and the have-nots. It's not until she sees Jean die from typhoid and Welty casually decrease the wages for its workers that Elsa realizes she must join in the fight. Loreda feels especially betrayed by his departure, as she had thought the two of them would leave together. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were they really communist the union organizers, Why did they have them leave grandmas farm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why do you think that is? Chapter-by-Chapter Summary & Analysis of The Four Winds, Book Review: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, Books Like The Four Winds: 8 Great Books to Read Next. I enjoyed The Great Alone and The Nightingale, Ill have to check this one out! More broadly, he represents the capitalistic interests of the wealthy farm owners, who rely on exploitative labor practices to increase their profits. WEBSITE BY. By 1934, the world has changed; millions are out of work and drought has devastated the Great Plains. Why do you think Rafe abandons his family instead of just saying hell go find a job and send money home? He employs underpaid migrants as farm laborers and sets up an encampment for them on his property. What do you think drives Loredas anger throughout the book? 1 May 2023
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does rafe come back in the four winds