Laurie M. (reading-galore) - , reviewed on 2/8/2021 + 115 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

I was simply swept away by Kristin Hannah's powerful story of the Dust Bowl and the Martinelli's migration from Texas to California. The characters are beautifully written. As they work through their difficulties, there is no doubt in your mind that the characters stay true to themselves. During this heartbreaking time in America's history, it was extremely challenging just to survive. After the dust storms nearly destroy the family farm, Elsa's husband leaves her and when their youngest child develops poor health, Elsa decides that she must be brave, pack up the car and drive to California. She doesn't know what she will find there but believes that it must be a better situation than her current one. When she arrives in California, Elsa joins the masses of migrants called Okies who pick cotton to try to feed their families on an incredibly low wage. She is a strong, independent woman who works hard to take care of her two children and another migrant family with six children that she befriends. This is a classic story that will stay with you long past the closing of the book.

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