A powerful and stirring narrative that depicted the reality during the era of Dust Bowl and the Great Depression in the 1930s. Love that the chapters were told by a historical journey throughout the years it occured. A totally gripping and captivating family tale of hardship and love, hope and sacrifices.

Elsa was an exceptional character-- tough and admirable, she can be harsh and stubborn at times but I really fancy her strength and courage, her loyalty and that amount of responsibilities that she was willing to endure. It sadden me on how she gets disowned by her family but I was glad that the Martinellis accepted her well (and Rose is such an angel to her).

I like how the author shown the relationship between Elsa and Loreda-- during the hard times with all the emotional heartbreaks, how they avoiding and loving each other, what they both learn throughout the journey and the importance of being together. It was so undoubtedly heartbreaking yet so lovely written. The political strife part was not much my favourite but Jack Valen was an entertaining character. I really like him that his story on how he started all, on fighting the capitalism and the injustice was quite uplifting.

Views on the economy upheaval and the vast unemployment, hunger and poverty, bravery and tragedies; this book wrapped well at the end, a totally riveting read for me.

"Hope is a coin I carry; an American penny, given to me by a man I came to love. There were times in my journey when it felt as if that penny and the hope it represented were the only things that kept me going."

Thanks to Pansing Distribution for sending me a copy of this book in return of an honest review!