The Wind Knows My Name, a historical fiction novel with elements of magical realism by Isabel Allende, intertwines the lives of Samuel Adler, Leticia Cordero, Selena Durán, and Anita Díaz, spanning from 1930s Vienna, Austria, to 1980s El Salvador, to the modern-day US, highlighting themes of trauma, resilience, and the effects of oppressive regimes across different eras and cultures. The novel depicts instances of mass violence, discrimination, and trauma.

Isabel Allende's The Wind Knows My Name is celebrated for its lyrical prose and deep historical insights. The novel's rich, multidimensional characters and interwoven narratives receive widespread praise. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and the shifts between storylines occasionally disorienting. Overall, it's a poignant and evocative read.

A reader who enjoys Isabel Allende’s The Wind Knows My Name appreciates richly woven historical narratives and vivid storytelling. Fans of Allende’s masterful blend of history and fiction, similar to those captivated by Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude or Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale will be enthralled.

Emotional / Inspirational / Hopeful / Heartwarming / Contemplative

**Samuel Adler**  
A Jewish child growing up in Vienna during the Nazi occupation who relocates to England and later the US, where he becomes a wise figure with a deep love for music.

**Selena Durán**  
A dedicated worker for the Magnolia Project focused on reuniting families and assisting asylum seekers at the US border, navigating personal and professional challenges along the way.

**Leticia Cordero**  
A woman with a background of violent oppression, she assumes a nurturing role and provides cultural support to a young girl, Anita, in need of a stable home.

**Anita Díaz**  
A Salvadoran girl who experiences numerous challenges after arriving in the US, relying on her imagination and resilience to adapt and thrive.

**Frank Angileri**  
A lawyer who shifts his focus from corporate clients to advocating for refugees, contributing his legal expertise to aid the Magnolia Project and support individuals like Anita.

Isabel Allende

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Wind Knows My Name and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Wind Knows My Name Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Wind Knows My Name Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Wind Knows My Name Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Wind Knows My Name Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Wind Knows My Name Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Wind Knows My Name Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 13-Epilogue

The Wind Knows My Name Chapter 13-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Wind Knows My Name Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Wind Knows My Name Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Wind Knows My Name Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Wind Knows My Name Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Wind Knows My Name Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

The Wind Knows My Name Book Club Questions

The Wind Knows My Name

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Wind Knows My Name?

Reading Age

Book Details