Matt’s review of The Four Winds > Likes and Comments
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Great review! It's a pity that this book follows The Grapes of Wrath so closely, but then both are set during the Great Depression and I suppose by virtue of this fact alone they will inevitably have elements in common. From your review, it also sounds like the novel is rather "artificial". I will definitely pass on it, thanks for the review and the warnings!
Diana wrote: "Great review! It's a pity that this book follows The Grapes of Wrath so closely, but then both are set during the Great Depression and I suppose by virtue of this fact alone they will inevitably ha..."
Thanks, Diana! Totally agree with your point about The Grapes of Wrath. There are a limited number of ways to present the Great Depression. I sort of wish that Hannah had made the decision to keep her story centered in the Texas Dust Bowl, as that aspect was the most compelling to me, and also avoided the ground trod by Steinbeck.
You are obviously a nice person and more than fair, so never feel guilty about calling out a book for badness. I routinely trash books my nearest and dearest adored, I figure one can't help it if one has better taste. It's fine...
This is such a shame, because I've been hoping for a great Dust bowl novel, some work of fiction equivalent to Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time, and this sounded so promising. I've never read any of her books, but so many people seem to love her writing. Thanks for saving me from that greater disappointment!
I have not read this one because I read only one other book of hers and wasn't smitten with her writing. It was a historical fiction novel over wich I had a few conversatiins with other readers and I was in the minority stance about my opinion over her writing. I think you captured the essence very well. I won't be reading this one, most likely.
Matt, I too, am an outlier when it comes to this author. I read a book by her several years ago and have avoided picking up another by her since. A great review.
It’s good to know there are other readers besides me who don’t “get” the adulation that Hannah engenders. I liked one book I read by her, but I’ve returned several more to the library only partially read. This was a good review, Matt, that explains many of the same issues I have with her books.
I couldn’t agree more with your review. As a fan of Kristin Hannah I was so disappointed in this book. The
Ack of storyline and character development was evident, but what bothered me most was the blatant copying of the storyline from Grapes of Wrath. I though for sure she would have gave some tribute or dedication to the book or Steinbeck, but as far as I could tell she didn’t. Thanks for your eloquent and honest review.
Lorna wrote: "Matt, I too, am an outlier when it comes to this author. I read a book by her several years ago and have avoided picking up another by her since. A great review."
Thanks, Lorna!
Joanne wrote: "It’s good to know there are other readers besides me who don’t “get” the adulation that Hannah engenders. I liked one book I read by her, but I’ve returned several more to the library only partiall..."
Thanks, Joanne. Sometimes a particular style just doesn't work. I only wished I had figured this out before impulsively purchasing The Nightingale... This is why I need to make better use of libraries.
Cheryl wrote: "I couldn’t agree more with your review. As a fan of Kristin Hannah I was so disappointed in this book. The
Ack of storyline and character development was evident, but what bothered me most was the..."
Thanks, Cheryl. I definitely would have enjoyed this more without the obvious shadow of The Grapes of Wrath hanging over it. That's why I really think this would have benefitted from staying put in Texas, and dealing with the Dust Bowl there. The Great Depression was about more than migrations to California, and it would have helped to have Hannah take this in a less-obvious direction.
This is the most spot on review that I’ve read for this book. I totally agree! Particularly your point about the dialogue.
Excellent review, I only wish I read it sooner. I’m 80% into the book and I’m struggling to finish. I think your eloquent review just tipped me over to the “I just can’t read anymore of this book”.
Don't read The Great Alone by her! That will make your eyes rll in the back of your head! She has a loyal following, and this person here writing keeps reading to see what all the buzz is about. I have found I have liked some for entertainment value only if I do not pay attention to writing details. Trying this one now-Wishing myself luck!
Lol. Agree with Lesley on the drama drama drama of The Great Alone.
Matt - love your review. I think everyone is loving books I don’t love all the time so it was nice to feel less alone.
Don’t bother with The Great Circle either... another highly touted book that just didn’t live up to the hype.
I soooo agree with your review. Relentlessly, oppressively dusty, this one.
Very nice review, Matt. I haven’t read any of Hannah so far, bur I agree a story more focused on those who stayed would be preferable. One of my favorite documentaries by Ken Burns is The Dust Bowel.
Great review, Matt! I totally agree with you about Hannah’s attempts at emotional manipulation, and find this is something she frequently does in her books. Sometimes I don’t mind, but here it’s irritating. I’m about a quarter of the way into this one and wondering whether I should abandon it. It’s just not holding my attention and the characters are such cliches so far…
I’m so thankful to be following you. Loving all the the books you’ve read and see a few I need to add!
Thank you for this very descriptive review that tells me everything I need to know about why The Four Winds is not for me, Matt. It’s gotten a lot of buzz, friends have recommended it. Having been ill and not able to read lately I’m trying to be very protective of what I add to my TBR list as prepare to dive in and try to make up for lost time. Mentally I put Kristin Hannah in the same bubble I do Jodi Picoult whose books I used to grab as soon as they were published, then…. not. Only the names were changed, and the social cause du jour. There was no challenge, enticement. I was going to make and exception with The Four Winds because I heard it was exceptional. I think I’ll reread The Grapes of Wrath! As ever, your reviews are read with such pleasure for your unique and quality of style. 📚
Your review just reinforces my disinclination to read this. I've been getting multiple notifications about this one from BookBub and Amazon Kindle since before pub date. It just doesn't appeal to me. I liked The Nightingale very much, but Magic Hour was dreadful-predictable plot and uninteresting characters. More concerning to me was Hannah's very poor research on the autism spectrum which reflects, and therefore reinforces, the many popular misconceptions and disinformation about the disorder. I have too many books to read without picking up an author I'm not excited about.
I agree with much of your review. Very disappointed in this novel.
Excellent review. I often get more out of/ agree with the negative reviews than the canned accolades. Some of how I feel about a book is dependent upon time and place - in My life.
Thank you Matt! You put into (astonishingly well written) words what I felt about another novel by this same author. At the time I wondered, "Is there something wrong with me that I feel exasperated and annoyed instead of touched and teary? Was The Kitten Gene omitted from my dna?" In addition, you saved me hours spent slogging through this book, hoping to hit pay dirt. I'm sure millions have and will adore it. I just won't be one of them.
What a wonderfully written, super thorough review. I agree with a lot. I rated it higher even though I had many of the same feelings. In the end, I was not as impressed as I wanted to be but I still enjoyed it. Again, great review! I’m curious to read your thoughts about other books now
yes, yes, YES! I felt exactly the same about The Four Winds, as your review so aptly shows. Thanks for articulating all the things so very distasteful and annoying about Hannah's writing which I somehow read all 460 pages, reluctantly because it was recommended to me by a friend! (?)
I wish I’d seen yours first. I would not have wasted time writing my poorly expressed complaint. Maybe just tagged a few things to yours.
“They would be changed by this all three of them” I laughed out loud at this because it was so true. Thank you for your review you were not alone. Did you ever go on to read any of her other books? I only read the Great Alone and I couldn’t get into it.
Oooo this is good Matt. Your review is outstanding.
The one Hannah I really liked was The Great Alone. Semi autobiographical. Alaska in the 70s.
An excellent review of an unpleasant reading encounter. I've only read one mega-bestseller out of Kristin Hanna's steady bestselling output -- "Nightingale", her magnum opus about French resistance. All the aspects you disliked in "Four winds" are those I couldn't stand in "Nightingale". So no more Kristin Hannah for me.;)
What a fabulous, thoughtful, interesting review! I have only read one of Hannah's books, which I gave one star, and after reading this review, I doubt that I will ever read another.
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Diana
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Feb 10, 2021 03:21PM
Great review! It's a pity that this book follows The Grapes of Wrath so closely, but then both are set during the Great Depression and I suppose by virtue of this fact alone they will inevitably have elements in common. From your review, it also sounds like the novel is rather "artificial". I will definitely pass on it, thanks for the review and the warnings!
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Diana wrote: "Great review! It's a pity that this book follows The Grapes of Wrath so closely, but then both are set during the Great Depression and I suppose by virtue of this fact alone they will inevitably ha..."Thanks, Diana! Totally agree with your point about The Grapes of Wrath. There are a limited number of ways to present the Great Depression. I sort of wish that Hannah had made the decision to keep her story centered in the Texas Dust Bowl, as that aspect was the most compelling to me, and also avoided the ground trod by Steinbeck.
You are obviously a nice person and more than fair, so never feel guilty about calling out a book for badness. I routinely trash books my nearest and dearest adored, I figure one can't help it if one has better taste. It's fine...
This is such a shame, because I've been hoping for a great Dust bowl novel, some work of fiction equivalent to Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time, and this sounded so promising. I've never read any of her books, but so many people seem to love her writing. Thanks for saving me from that greater disappointment!
I have not read this one because I read only one other book of hers and wasn't smitten with her writing. It was a historical fiction novel over wich I had a few conversatiins with other readers and I was in the minority stance about my opinion over her writing. I think you captured the essence very well. I won't be reading this one, most likely.
Matt, I too, am an outlier when it comes to this author. I read a book by her several years ago and have avoided picking up another by her since. A great review.
It’s good to know there are other readers besides me who don’t “get” the adulation that Hannah engenders. I liked one book I read by her, but I’ve returned several more to the library only partially read. This was a good review, Matt, that explains many of the same issues I have with her books.
I couldn’t agree more with your review. As a fan of Kristin Hannah I was so disappointed in this book. The Ack of storyline and character development was evident, but what bothered me most was the blatant copying of the storyline from Grapes of Wrath. I though for sure she would have gave some tribute or dedication to the book or Steinbeck, but as far as I could tell she didn’t. Thanks for your eloquent and honest review.
Lorna wrote: "Matt, I too, am an outlier when it comes to this author. I read a book by her several years ago and have avoided picking up another by her since. A great review."Thanks, Lorna!
Joanne wrote: "It’s good to know there are other readers besides me who don’t “get” the adulation that Hannah engenders. I liked one book I read by her, but I’ve returned several more to the library only partiall..."Thanks, Joanne. Sometimes a particular style just doesn't work. I only wished I had figured this out before impulsively purchasing The Nightingale... This is why I need to make better use of libraries.
Cheryl wrote: "I couldn’t agree more with your review. As a fan of Kristin Hannah I was so disappointed in this book. The Ack of storyline and character development was evident, but what bothered me most was the..."
Thanks, Cheryl. I definitely would have enjoyed this more without the obvious shadow of The Grapes of Wrath hanging over it. That's why I really think this would have benefitted from staying put in Texas, and dealing with the Dust Bowl there. The Great Depression was about more than migrations to California, and it would have helped to have Hannah take this in a less-obvious direction.
This is the most spot on review that I’ve read for this book. I totally agree! Particularly your point about the dialogue.
Excellent review, I only wish I read it sooner. I’m 80% into the book and I’m struggling to finish. I think your eloquent review just tipped me over to the “I just can’t read anymore of this book”.
Don't read The Great Alone by her! That will make your eyes rll in the back of your head! She has a loyal following, and this person here writing keeps reading to see what all the buzz is about. I have found I have liked some for entertainment value only if I do not pay attention to writing details. Trying this one now-Wishing myself luck!
Lol. Agree with Lesley on the drama drama drama of The Great Alone. Matt - love your review. I think everyone is loving books I don’t love all the time so it was nice to feel less alone.
Don’t bother with The Great Circle either... another highly touted book that just didn’t live up to the hype.
I soooo agree with your review. Relentlessly, oppressively dusty, this one.
Very nice review, Matt. I haven’t read any of Hannah so far, bur I agree a story more focused on those who stayed would be preferable. One of my favorite documentaries by Ken Burns is The Dust Bowel.
Great review, Matt! I totally agree with you about Hannah’s attempts at emotional manipulation, and find this is something she frequently does in her books. Sometimes I don’t mind, but here it’s irritating. I’m about a quarter of the way into this one and wondering whether I should abandon it. It’s just not holding my attention and the characters are such cliches so far…
I’m so thankful to be following you. Loving all the the books you’ve read and see a few I need to add!
Thank you for this very descriptive review that tells me everything I need to know about why The Four Winds is not for me, Matt. It’s gotten a lot of buzz, friends have recommended it. Having been ill and not able to read lately I’m trying to be very protective of what I add to my TBR list as prepare to dive in and try to make up for lost time. Mentally I put Kristin Hannah in the same bubble I do Jodi Picoult whose books I used to grab as soon as they were published, then…. not. Only the names were changed, and the social cause du jour. There was no challenge, enticement. I was going to make and exception with The Four Winds because I heard it was exceptional. I think I’ll reread The Grapes of Wrath! As ever, your reviews are read with such pleasure for your unique and quality of style. 📚
Your review just reinforces my disinclination to read this. I've been getting multiple notifications about this one from BookBub and Amazon Kindle since before pub date. It just doesn't appeal to me. I liked The Nightingale very much, but Magic Hour was dreadful-predictable plot and uninteresting characters. More concerning to me was Hannah's very poor research on the autism spectrum which reflects, and therefore reinforces, the many popular misconceptions and disinformation about the disorder. I have too many books to read without picking up an author I'm not excited about.
I agree with much of your review. Very disappointed in this novel.
Excellent review. I often get more out of/ agree with the negative reviews than the canned accolades. Some of how I feel about a book is dependent upon time and place - in My life.
Thank you Matt! You put into (astonishingly well written) words what I felt about another novel by this same author. At the time I wondered, "Is there something wrong with me that I feel exasperated and annoyed instead of touched and teary? Was The Kitten Gene omitted from my dna?" In addition, you saved me hours spent slogging through this book, hoping to hit pay dirt. I'm sure millions have and will adore it. I just won't be one of them.
What a wonderfully written, super thorough review. I agree with a lot. I rated it higher even though I had many of the same feelings. In the end, I was not as impressed as I wanted to be but I still enjoyed it. Again, great review! I’m curious to read your thoughts about other books now
yes, yes, YES! I felt exactly the same about The Four Winds, as your review so aptly shows. Thanks for articulating all the things so very distasteful and annoying about Hannah's writing which I somehow read all 460 pages, reluctantly because it was recommended to me by a friend! (?)
I wish I’d seen yours first. I would not have wasted time writing my poorly expressed complaint. Maybe just tagged a few things to yours.
“They would be changed by this all three of them” I laughed out loud at this because it was so true. Thank you for your review you were not alone. Did you ever go on to read any of her other books? I only read the Great Alone and I couldn’t get into it.
Oooo this is good Matt. Your review is outstanding. The one Hannah I really liked was The Great Alone. Semi autobiographical. Alaska in the 70s.
An excellent review of an unpleasant reading encounter. I've only read one mega-bestseller out of Kristin Hanna's steady bestselling output -- "Nightingale", her magnum opus about French resistance. All the aspects you disliked in "Four winds" are those I couldn't stand in "Nightingale". So no more Kristin Hannah for me.;)
What a fabulous, thoughtful, interesting review! I have only read one of Hannah's books, which I gave one star, and after reading this review, I doubt that I will ever read another.