BOOK REVIEW: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon / beautifully written time travel novel

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

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What the Wind Knows was full of details of Ireland during the 1920s. Moreover the research from clothing to the political unrest during that time, only added to the authenticity of the novel.

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?

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

MY THOUGHTS & REVIEW

If you love Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series you’ll love this book.

Without a doubt it had everything a time traveling historical novel should have. Also, I just need to say it again, the author’s research was as always amazing!!!!! I noticed it when I read Where the Lost Wander. Great research makes such a difference.

The book was mostly written from Anne’s POV. Entries from Thomas’s diary throughout the book gave a glimpse into his POV.

Here are the couple things that irked me:

I would have liked more insight into Thomas’s feelings, doubts and overall thought process. Especially in regards to the sudden appearance of Anne, and how he felt about it.

Anne’s behavior towards being stranded in a different time period wasn’t as prominent as it should have been. She accepted the time travel too easily.

And it was also interesting that Anne’s 21st century knowledge rarely added to the overall story. And even though she had a vast knowledge about the political turmoil in Ireland in the 1920s it made no real difference, since Ireland’s course was set and history didn’t rewrite itself just because of Anne.

Because the historical aspect of Ireland played such a BIG part in this story, Anne and Thomas’s love story almost became a side note. Although I would have loved more romance the ending was satisfying (HEA).

So, even though this novel didn’t work for me as much as I hoped it would, it’s an amazing book for anyone who loves history and historical fiction. And as always, Amy Harmon books are beautifully crafted in word and style and incredibly well researched.

THREE AND A HALF STARS

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I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon