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What the Wind Knows

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"What the Wind Knows" by Amy Harmon is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, following the journey of Anne Gallagher as she travels back in time to 1921 Ireland. The story unfolds as Anne fulfills her grandfather's wish to spread his ashes in his homeland, leading her to a remarkable encounter with key figures of Irish history during the tumultuous period of the Easter Rising. Harmon's writing style intricately weaves together elements of romance, history, time travel, and poetry, creating a mesmerizing narrative that immerses readers in the vivid landscapes of both past and present.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Anne showcasing resilience and a deep emotional connection to her family, while Thomas provides a grounded romantic presence.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its lyrical quality and emotional depth, enhancing the storytelling with historical references and vivid imagery.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves together time travel and historical elements, focusing on Anne Gallagher's journey to uncover her family's history during a pivotal time in Irish history.

Setting:

The setting effectively contrasts contemporary America with vividly depicted early 20th-century Ireland, providing a rich backdrop for the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing has a gradual start but gains momentum as the protagonist navigates the complexities of her time travel experience.
“Yes, I know,” I teased, as if the locked drawer had been something I’d been trying to break into. I’d actually had no idea. I hadn’t lived in Eoin’s Brooklyn brownstone for a long time and hadn’t cal...

Notes:

The story centers around Anne Gallagher who travels to Ireland to fulfill her grandfather's dying wish.
Anne discovers that she looks just like her great-grandmother, also named Anne.
The book combines elements of historical romance and fantasy time travel.
It is set during the tumultuous 1920s in Ireland, a time of political revolution and unrest.
Anne's journey into the past brings her closer to her family history and the struggles of Irish independence.
The narrative is enriched by diary entries from a fictional character named Thomas Smith, providing insight into the historical context.
The relationship between Anne and Thomas evolves amidst the backdrop of real historical events and characters.
The writing incorporates quotes from famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
What the Wind Knows is described as one of Amy Harmon’s best works, appealing to both historical fiction and romance readers.
Many readers found the book to be an emotional experience, often leading to tears during key moments.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are content warnings for themes such as grief, death, and historical violence related to the Irish War of Independence.

Has Romance?

Romance plays a significant role in the story, showcasing the emotional connection between characters as they navigate their complex relationship.

From The Publisher:

An Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestseller.

In an unforgettable love story, a woman's impossible journey through the ages could change everything...

Anne Gallagher grew up enchanted by her grandfather's stories of Ireland. Heartbroken at his death, she travels to his childhood home to spread his ashes. There, overcome with memories of the man she adored and consumed by a history she never knew, she is pulled into another time.

The Ireland of 1921, teetering on the edge of war, is a dangerous place in which to awaken. But there Anne finds herself, hurt, disoriented, and under the care of Dr. Thomas Smith, guardian to a young boy who is oddly familiar. Mistaken for the boy's long-missing mother, Anne adopts her identity, convinced the woman's disappearance is connected to her own.

As tensions rise, Thomas joins the struggle for Ireland's independence and Anne is drawn into the conflict beside him. Caught between history and her heart, she must decide whether she's willing to let go of the life she knew for a love she never thought she'd find. But in the end, is the choice actually hers to make?

Ratings (20)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (11)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (64):

Read It (20)
Want To Read (38)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (5)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
5 months

I went into this book not entirely sure what I would get out of it. I don’t read a huge variety of genres outside of fantasy, so deciding to read this book was out of my usual reading habits. I can honestly say that I’m glad to have read this book though, despite any worries I might’ve had coming into it. Anne is a likable character, and the events of this book flowed easily and weren’t overly complicated. My understanding and respect for Irish culture and history has deepened as well, making me curious about my own roots and heritage. I doubt that what I’ll discover will be as dramatic as traveling back in time, but it does interest me to find out more about where my ancestors came from. All in all, I’m very happy that I read this book. It was a welcome change to my reading habits, and an easy, enjoyable read. The ending satisfied me and didn’t leave any question (of mine at least) unanswered.

 
 
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