Play Book Tag discussion
This topic is about
The Wind Knows My Name
2024: Other Books
>
(BWF) The Wind Knows My Name / Isabel Allende - 4****
date
newest »
newest »
I usually read her books when they first come out, but this one has sat on the shelf for a year, as the topic was too close to the heart of the political climate of our country. I love her writing but I knew this one would stir sadness and make the anger in my heart grow stronger. I am hoping I can get myself together enough to read it next year, Great review
What a moving review for a moving book! I have read many books by Allende, but have missed this one. Like Joanne, I probably thought it would be too painful. It sounds like I should try to read it.
This sounds great. The stories about children separated from their parents are heartbreaking. I put myself on a news “diet” this year to avoid some of the painful stories and hateful rhetoric. I ended up reading a couple books on the Migrant Crisis in Europe though. What Strange Paradise was a favorite. I will read this one next year. It’s funny that a village in Italy is now inviting American refugees to apply for residency, sweetening the deal with housing for digital nomads.
It was a heartbreaking story. And you're right Joanne, it's very political. I found it disappointing compared to Allende's earlier books. There was great potential that didn't come across in less than 300 pages.
Oh my. I am sorry to hear about the disappointment Jgrace. I was not thrilled with Violeta and hoped this one would please a little more. You and I seem to normally be on the same page with books.
Joanne wrote: "Oh my. I am sorry to hear about the disappointment Jgrace. I was not thrilled with Violeta and hoped this one would please a little more. You and I seem to normally be on the same p..."It's a quick read, and that was my problem. Full of great situations and heroic characters, it just seemed to touch the surface.
Jgrace wrote: "There was great potential that didn't come across in less t..."I agree that a longer book might have given us more information / perspective.
But I suspect that Allende was unable to write more ... perhaps she felt as overwhelmed by the situation as I feel.
Book Concierge wrote: "Jgrace wrote: "There was great potential that didn't come across in less t..."I agree that a longer book might have given us more information / perspective.
But I suspect that Allende was unable..."
Without a doubt the outrage was real and came across loud and clear.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
Violeta (other topics)Violeta (other topics)
What Strange Paradise (other topics)
The Wind Knows My Name (other topics)
The Wind Knows My Name – Isabel Allende
Book on CD performed by Edoardo Bellerini and Maria Liatis
4****
Allende explores the immigrant experience, and particularly the heart-wrenching separation of children from their parents with a dual timeline. In 1938 the Adlers send their son Samuel to Britain from Austria after the events of Kristallnacht make it clear that Jews are no longer safe in Nazi-occupied areas. And in 2019 in Arizona a Anita Diaz and her mother seek asylum after an arduous journey from their native El Salvador, only to be separated. How these two children handle the trauma is the focus of the novel.
My heart broke for both these families, though Allende gives us a dedicated social worker and attorney who passionately advocate for the disadvantaged youth. I particularly liked how the two storylines eventually connect, improbable though that may be.
Still, this was an emotionally difficult book to read. It pains me to recognize the similarities in the ways governments treat “others.” Apparently, we have learned nothing from history.
The audiobook is marvelously narrated by two very talented voice artists. Edoardo Bellerini handles most of the novel, while Maria Liatis gives voice to the seven-year-old Anita.
LINK to my review