I have a hard time giving a book 5 stars. I like a lot of books, but I just feel like 5 stars means I LOVED it and there’s nothing I would change about it. Maybe I’m an over-thinker? Actually, I already know that I am most definitely an over-thinker. That being said, What the Wind Knows was an easy 5 stars for me.
Synopsis
I read this for a book club and I’m so glad I did because I don’t know that I would have picked it out on my own. It’s a historical fiction with some time-travel mixed in. (This was my first time reading a book like this but I love this combo). It starts with Anne, a successful writer spending time with her grandfather before he dies. His dying wish is that she takes his ashes and spreads them in the place where he grew up in Ireland. So after he passes, Anne books her trip and follows her grandfather’s instructions to go on a specific lake to spread his ashes.
After coming off the fog of the lake in her boat, Anne finds herself in a different time period, surrounded by complete strangers — but everyone seems to know who she is. She slowly puts together the pieces of where she is, who these people are, why they think they know her, and who her grandfather was. It turns out to be a beautiful love story in addition to the history and time travel aspects.
Thoughts
First off, I knew very little about the history of Ireland before reading What the Wind Knows. But this book had me looking up documentaries and articles and travel itineraries for Ireland once I finished it. I loved learning the real history mixed with the fictional story.
I don’t know that I even knew going into it that this would be a love story. But it was SO well done. Amy Harmon is an incredible writer. Reading this book is what made me start to think about how much I wanted to start writing again. I don’t know that I’ve ever been so emotionally invested in a book.
Have you ever read a book so good that you kind of get into a book slump afterward? I had a hard time picking up another book after this, and when I did I was immediately disappointed. What the Wind Knows set my expectations very high. I definitely recommend this one if you are a fan of historical fiction, time travel books, romance novels… or none of the above because I think there’s a chance you’ll love it anyway.
You can read this book for free on Libby, and it’s also free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. You can buy your own copy here. (I have also heard great things about the Audiobook.)
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