Honest review of Dust In The Wind: Dust Book 1

by Vlad ben Avorham (Author)

Updated at: 30/01/2025

In Vlad ben Avorham's Dust In The Wind, the Levin family's cross-country move in 2020 takes an unexpected turn. A dust storm in Oklahoma catapults them back to 1933, into the heart of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Suddenly facing a drastically altered America, the Levins confront a chilling reality: Adolf Hitler is alive and powerful in Europe, and history is unfolding differently. Their modern knowledge offers little comfort as they grapple with the looming threat of war and the specific dangers facing Jewish people in this unfamiliar past. Forced to navigate a world teetering on the brink of disaster, the Levins must decide how to act, knowing their actions – or inaction – could irrevocably change the course of history.

4.6 / 16 ratings

Review Dust In The Wind

"Dust In The Wind" completely captivated me. The premise alone – a modern family flung back to the Dust Bowl era of 1933 – is a brilliantly inventive hook, and the execution didn't disappoint. I found myself instantly invested in the Levin family's struggle for survival, not just against the harsh realities of the Depression and the unforgiving landscape, but also against the looming shadow of a world war and the escalating threat to their Jewish heritage. The author masterfully creates a palpable sense of unease and desperation, placing the reader directly into the dust-choked reality of their situation.

What sets this book apart is its intricate weaving of historical fiction with elements of the alternate history genre. The familiar historical backdrop of the Dust Bowl and the rise of Hitler is subtly altered, creating a fascinating "what if" scenario that kept me guessing. This isn't just a retelling of a known history; it's a compelling exploration of how seemingly small shifts in the past can ripple outwards to create significantly different outcomes. The uncertainty of their future, combined with the knowledge of the horrors to come, adds a layer of tension that is both gripping and deeply unsettling. The Levin family’s struggle to reconcile their modern sensibilities with the brutal realities of their new time period is wonderfully portrayed, adding a compelling human element to the broader historical narrative.

I especially appreciated the author’s attention to detail in portraying the complexities of the time. The description of the Dust Bowl itself is incredibly vivid, almost visceral, allowing the reader to feel the choking dust and despair of the era. Similarly, the portrayal of the family's anxieties regarding the rising power of Hitler is realistically nuanced, avoiding simplistic portrayals of good versus evil and instead highlighting the very real fear and uncertainty faced by Jewish people during that period.

While the book certainly throws the Levin family into a difficult situation, the author doesn't shy away from exploring the potential for human resilience and connection. I found myself genuinely rooting for them, hoping to see them not just survive, but perhaps even find a glimmer of hope amidst the desolation. The interactions with other characters, both locals and Native Americans, were intriguing, leaving me wanting to learn more about these individuals and their interwoven stories. This is where I particularly hope the sequel will expand, delving deeper into these secondary relationships.

However, as one of the reviews mentioned, the recurring anti-marriage sentiment did feel a little overused. While I understand the author's intent to explore alternative family structures, I felt it sometimes overshadowed the more pressing issues at hand. This is a minor quibble, though, in the context of such a compelling and well-written novel. Overall, “Dust In The Wind” is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that expertly blends historical fiction, alternate history, and a gripping family drama. It left me eagerly awaiting the next installment to see how the Levin family navigates the ever-increasing challenges that lie ahead. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, alternate history, and anyone who enjoys a story that leaves them breathlessly anticipating the next chapter.