No Promises in the Wind
by Irene Hunt

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• ISBN13: 9780425182802
• Condition: New
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Book Reviews of No Promises in the Wind

Book Review: Hunt's use of characterization is detailed and excellent....
Summary: 5 Stars

America in the 1930's was an America in turmoil. Its people were jobless, hungry, and cold. There was a desperation felt across the nation. It became known as the Great Depression. Growing up in this time frame meant growing up fast, as many children found the necessity of having to work in order to contribute to the family's need for survival. Such was the setting for Irene Hunt's No Promises in the Wind. Josh's father knew first hand this feeling of desperation. Not a bad man he, nevertheless, gave into these feeling and took this gnawing fear out on his oldest son, Josh. Realizing that every morsel of food he put into his mouth was one more morsel taken away from his mother or sister, Josh decides to leave home so there will be one less mouth to feed, and in so doing maybe it will take some of the pressure off of his family. Meeting up with his friend Howie they decide to ride the rail cars. Unbeknownst to Josh his younger brother, Joey, sneaks away to follow him. In No Promises in the Wind Hunt aptly portrays their travels and experiences: the horror of Howie's death, the desperate cold felt way too keenly through their worn and inappropriate clothing, their gnawing hunger, Josh's repulsion toward begging, and his unforgiving nature toward his father.

Hunt has done an excellent job of capturing the emotions felt by the American people during a time of national crisis. Her uses of characterization is detailed and excellent. It truly sets the stage for events to come and lays the groundwork for the tonality of the story. Hunt seems to have her pulse on the events on the times, which is perceived as believable and realistic. Not only does she tell her story with depth and realism but also she does so in a manner of allowing one to see the love and caring that still exists even in times of great deprivation. Told from the eyes of a youth gives one the freedom to share in the emotions felt by the protagonist along with his fears, hopes, and dreams. Several themes run concurrently throughout this story such as: courage, perseverance, trust, family, and forgiveness (of others and of self). In addition, Hunt makes wise use of conflict: with nature, government, father, Joey, and especially within Josh himself. This would be a wonderful supplement to be used by teachers while teaching the history concerning this time period. Using the themes along would provide a great basis for thought provoking discussions and opportunities for growth within our youth.
I read this several years ago and now while taking a class on literature for young adults wanted to read it again. It stayed with me over all that time---a true test of an excellent book, a classic, in my opinion.

Summary of No Promises in the Wind

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• Teens > Historical Fiction