The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende (received from Jonathan Ball Publishers for review) is a new novel by one of my favourite authors. From the outset, it was evident that this novel sets itself apart from her previous literary gems like A Long Petal of the Sea and Violeta, where Allende took her time unravelling her tale, sketching in detail the period and place where the story unfolded, and granting us an intimate understanding of her multi-dimensional characters.
In The Wind Knows My Name, she applies a new, interesting approach. She skilfully weaves the diverse stories of her characters into separate chapters or sections, each presenting new scenarios, places, and time zones. Admittedly, this unique narrative style did take me a while to acclimate to.
That said, with this unique narrative style, Allende masterfully intertwines the past and the present, tracing the far-reaching consequences of war and immigration on human rights. She brings to light the poignant stories of two children – one in Europe in 1938 and another in the United States in 2019.
Against the backdrop of Vienna, 1938, young Samuel Adler's world is shattered during the devastating Kristallnacht, where his family loses everything, and his father mysteriously vanishes. Faced with the growing uncertainty of her child's safety, Samuel's courageous mother secures a spot for him on a Kindertransport train bound for England, a desperate measure to escape the clutches of Nazi-occupied Austria. Alone and carrying only a change of clothes and his cherished violin, Samuel embarks on this harrowing journey, seeking hope and a future amid the darkness of war.
Fast-forwarding to Arizona in 2019, we encounter Anita Díaz and her mother, who embark on a journey aboard another train, fleeing imminent danger in El Salvador and seeking refuge in the United States. Their arrival coincides with the implementation of the new family separation policy, and seven-year-old Anita finds herself isolated at a camp in Nogales, torn apart from her mother. In her struggle to cope with this precarious reality, she seeks solace in the enchanting realm of her imagination.
We then meet Selena Durán, a compassionate young social worker determined to reunite Anita with her mother. In her quest, she enlists the assistance of a successful lawyer, their collective efforts becoming a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness. Allende further seamlessly weaves in the story of Leticia, an immigrant who arrived in the United States on her father's back in 1982 after the El Mozote massacre in El Salvador. While Leticia's tale differs from the heart-wrenching experiences of the two young children cruelly separated from their mothers, her narrative adds depth and significance to the overall storyline, shedding light on the broader immigrant experience.
Allende uses the experiences of two children separated by several decades but who experience the same dangers and fears to highlight the ripple effects of fascism, discrimination, war and immigration. It is a moving story about the importance of family when faced with forced relocation; and the sacrifices parents will make to keep their children safe.
Allende's profound connection to the plight of separated families goes beyond her literary endeavours. Having established a foundation in memory of her late daughter, she actively supports vulnerable women and children, providing aid and assistance to those in need. This first-hand experience has granted her intimate insight into the tragedies caused by the heartrending separation of children from their families at the southern borders of the United States.
In The Wind Knows My Name, Allende draws upon not only her personal journey as a displaced citizen and immigrant but also the courageous efforts of her foundation in this realm. Through her storytelling, she pays tribute to the resilience of children who endure these unspeakable atrocities yet continue to cling to their dreams. The novel becomes a testament to their strength and a homage to their unwavering spirit, resonating with readers in its portrayal of hope and perseverance amid adversity.
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