So depressing. Worst book I’ve ever tried listening to, couldn’t get through it. Offered no hope whatsoever.

I really loved this book. Beautifully written. I learn so much about history from this author.

Excellent book - highlights the absolute desperation of the dust bowl of the 1930s - very well written and very good narrator

I really enjoyed the characters and relationships in this book, they were largely relatable. I thought life as an 'Okie' was vividly drawn. I was aware of people living in cars during the depression and the migration to California due to the catastrophic Dust Bowl phenomenon, but I hadn't really appreciated what that meant. I also wasn't aware of the extent 'Big Farmer' abused the migrant labour, (Big mine owners in England ran similarly corrupt enterprises.)I found the language used by the media in order to 'other' migrants is very redolent of today's press. It's frightening how little we learn and how happy we are to be kept in our place by big business. It was read very well The only reason it did not get a five was because there were a couple of phrases that she kept repeating for no obvious reason. It felt like it was supposed to be a big message that we weren't able to grasp so had to be explored several times. The problem was it wasn't a big message and it just felt like lazy editing. Also it got a bit mawkish towards the end and a sex scene that just managed to stay the right side of mortifying. But that's maybe half an hour of fifteen and a half hours, so largely recommended

Incredibly well written, gripping, educational, heart-rending, absorbing ... It's very intense, addressing hardship, prejudice, and the fortitude of women and ordinary people with such emotional depth. Super worth devoting yourself to listening, and the narrator is as great as the writing, really brings the characters and story to life. I cannot believe how little we as Americans are taught or know about what happened to American farmers during the Dustbowl depression, drought, and migration to California. Should be required reading!

A must-read spanning so many key issues of our day wrapped in a deeply personal narrative. Persevere through the early chapters as they add important context for the last 2 thirds and you will be rewarded!

Brilliant. Emotional.

Loved it.,

One of my favourite books and the narrator was truely committed to the characters. It is worth persevering through the first quarter as it sets the scene for later in the book. Not being from America I found this American history fascinating & a sad part of its history which led me to researching it more. Loved the author & narrator interviews at the end too.

I did not enjoy the initial section of the book. It came across as frivolous and sentimental. I am very glad that I pushed through though as it definitely got stronger and deeper - and I ended up loving it. Such an interesting (but terrible) time in US history and I came to love the main characters. I would recommend this book.

Great story well told.