The Four Winds of Heaven

by Monique Raphel High

The world in which David and Mathilde de Gunzburg, Russia's foremost Jewish family, raise their children--Anna, Ossip, Sonia, and Gino--shatters as the Romanov dynasty falls and their children are touched by passion and the tides of change

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Russia, Romance

682 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1980

Reviews

[Misfit]

This book is set in a period that I normally lap up like a cat with a bowl of cream, but this time it didn't work for me. While I appreciate the author's intent on telling her family's story, the 50 or so pages I waded through were tedious and all telling and not showing = not worth my time to wade any deeper. YMMV.

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author states in her foreword that this novel is a re-creation of her family's history..."a distillation of the characters and of the period through my own eyes, and written with poetic license." This is a sweeping saga of a Jewish aristocratic family in Imperial Russia. I was reminded of "Doctor Zhivago" and "Kurt Seyit and Sura," two films set in the same era as this novel. "The Four Winds of Heaven" shares the same depth and feeling, with the added attraction—for me, anyway—of the Jewish perspective. Monique Raphel High, granddaughter of Sonia de Gunzburg, has done a remarkable job in bringing us the story of her ancestors and in describing the beauty of the era, as well as, the horrors. Heart-wrenching romance and tragedies, so typical of Russian classics, kept me glued to the page. I applaud the author for providing another view of Russian Jews. "Fiddler on the Roof" is so ingrained in our minds, it seems that we can only visualize Teyve and the people of Anatevka. We forget that Jews of the upper echelons of society rubbed elbows with European and Russian nobility. We forget of the trials and tribulations of the Rothschilds, the Brodskys, the Gunzburgs, and many others. This is not light reading. This novel speaks volumes of the human condition, the vulnerability, the fragility, and the strength to fight and to survive.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

682 pages of a Jewish Russian Baron's family at the turn of the twentieth century and all their drama. Portions of the book were really good during the time period of the Tsar's execution (although no details about that ...only what is happening to Baron Gunzburg and his brood). Lots of characters that the author has flying in and out of the story that at times was distracting. Almost gave it 3 stars but the ending was lame as given the length of the book, the author wraps up the main woman's character to quickly and never answers what happens to one of the main characters that she spent chapters searching for.

[Karen G Clesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few thoughts...

If you can make it thru the first half of the book, the pace gets quicker. The history is excellent, the family members were too many and the names were tough. I didn't in any find this as good as Doctor Zivago.

[Derbhile Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought this book was so romantic as a teenager. The way the characters stayed in love for so long, and were willing to waste away in the name of love. Also gave me an introduction to Russian history.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in my teens and I remember thinking it was good at the time. I loved reading anything about the Russian Revolution, so I burned through this. Not sure how it would hold up for me now; going to have to find a copy and read it again!

[Mrs Wentworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those sweeping historical novels that feels both epic and intimate at the same time. What makes it especially compelling is that it shines a light on a world you rarely see in fiction—unknown or rarely mentioned aristocratic Jewish families. The story follows the Gunzburg family, wealthy Jewish bankers living in late 19th-century Russia, as their lives unravel against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty.

The novel explores forbidden love, identity, heritage, and the weight of family secrets as everything they thought was permanent begins to collapse. The women in particular stand out, navigating shifting social expectations, war, and revolution while trying to hold onto themselves and each other. Knowing the book is inspired by the author’s own family diaries adds another layer of depth—it gives the whole saga a sense of lived experience rather than distant reconstruction. It’s rich, immersive, and emotionally resonant. Maybe more so with today's rising antisemitism.

A beautifully told, sweeping family saga—absolutely a 5-star read

[Anne Gibbons-Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

A very interesting story about a time in Russia when the old order was changing and all was chaos. A gripping and informative read about a changing world.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical romance

Many characters to keep track of but storyline kept me interested to the end. Wonderful descriptions of Russia at the turn of the century.

[Nancy A Faussett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book follows a Russian Jewish family during a 30-year period, from the late 1800's, touching on both World War I and the Russian revolution.

[Ale G. Betancourth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful writer with a great Heart. RIP, lovely Monique.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abbandonato per noia

[Lindasp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit concerned when I began to read this book on my Kobo as it was listed as over 1500 pages which would take 17 hours to read! Did I really want to commit myself to reading it? But I have to say, I'm glad I did (it actually took me 21 hours, according to my Kobo!). It's a Russian saga involving the wealthy de Gunzburg Jewish family in St. Petersburg living through WW1, the Russian Revolution, and other parts of Russian history from late 1800s until family members escape to Paris in the 1920s. A lot of long Russian names to figure out but a gripping story which helped me connect various Russian historical events I'd heard of but didn't know much about. It was a challenge to read but I don't regret doing so.

[Courtney Kreps · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it so far. Getting a history lesson on Russia during the very early 20th century.