In Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone, a desperate family seeks a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness of Alaska only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature.#1 New York Times Instant Bestseller (February 2018)A People “Book of the Week”Buzzfeed’s “Most Anticipated Women’s Fiction Reads of 2018”Seattle Times’s “Books … Women’s Fiction Reads of 2018”
Seattle Times’s “Books to Look Forward to in 2018”
Alaska, 1974. Ernt Allbright came home from the Vietnam War a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes the impulsive decision to move his wife and daughter north where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.
Cora will do anything for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown. Thirteen-year-old Leni, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, has little choice but to go along, daring to hope this new land promises her family a better future.
In a wild, remote corner of Alaska, the Allbrights find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the newcomers’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.
But as winter approaches and darkness descends, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own.
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Did not like. Frustrating. Not realistic.
Probably my favorite book, read it so fast the first time that as soon as I finished it I had to immediately read it again to see what I missed. Amazing descriptions of the beauty and horror of life in Alaska, so many twists and turns with an ultimately “comfortable” ending. Kristin Hannah certainly can tell a story!
In 1992 I made friends with a group of people who worked in Anchorage, Alaska and strongly suggested that I move there. I told them, repeatedly, that Anchorage was far too cold for me and they said it’s not that bad, there are plug-in heaters for your car. I laughed and said no way. I visited in September and saw the Kenai peninsula, Denali National Park, got together in comfortable restaurants and bars and houses and loved it. Anchorage was magnificent. Alaska was magnificent. But what I experienced was like going to Disneyland compared to the wild of Leni and Cora in Homer. Their Alaska is a different animal. A different planet.
Kristin Hannah brings us the story of true pioneers who battle the elements to find their place, themselves, a sense of home. Through this unbelievable hardship she weaves in a deep abiding love for family, even when it’s broken. The Great Alone is harsh and gritty and even scary at times. Whatever you think you can’t endure, this is a hundred times worse. But it’s not just about survival of the elements. The spirit of Alaska settles inside these characters and gives them strength and fortitude and great heart. I was drawn in from the very beginning and I laughed and cried and felt my heart wrench as Leni grows and matures and finds herself, as she comes to understand the different faces of love, as she fashions the best out of the tragedies that fall.
Like Alaska, The Great Alone is raw and majestic. It will chew you up and spit you out but you won’t forget it. I’m still thinking about it.
One of her best – wonderful book
Finished this book this week and loved it. I found it incredibly heartbreaking, yet hopeful. I’ve never been to Alaska, but this story paints such a vivid portrait.
Like the wildlife and landscape of Alaska itself, this book was beautiful, wild, dangerous, and harsh. This book broke my heart and healed it at the same time. Everyone should read this book.
This was one I could not put down. It’s a coming of age, survivalist saga, young love story all in one. The characters are well written. The beautiful descriptions of Alaska made me reach for a blanket on several occasions.
I passed this on to my husband, son and mother and they too all raved about it. If your looking for a book that will suck you in and not let you go turn your phone off, grab a cozy blanket and a cup of tea and enjoy.
My book club read this book. Most of us loved it, it some had a hard time with the abuse. Worth the read.
Great insight into the world of abuse. Frustrating and scary for the family members. Community support for the victims was encouraging.
Kristin Hannah is a favorite author – this had to be a most difficult book to write. Ms Hannah manage to turn out a very thought provoking yet heartfelt book.
Fantastic, suspenseful story written by—YES!—a gifted woman writer. This book has it all: the wilderness, family dynamics, friendship, love and a strong woman heroine. Or really, quite a few of them! Hannah’s tale will keep you company for a good long while.
Gloria Squitiro: A first lady of Kanas City and author of May Cause Drowsiness and Blurred Vision: The Side Effects of Bravery—YOU, Too! can OVERCOME ANXIETY and live a bigger more carefree life—Become a New and Better You!
#YayWomenWriters
This book was great! I couldn’t put it down because I just didn’t know how it would end. There was tragedy along with redemption. I also learned a lot about living in Alaska. This is my second book by this author and can’t wait to read more of her books.
I wasn’t crazy about the ending, but I did love how the characters built thorughout the story. Additionally, the scenery and the land take on almost a mythical feel…the landscape is as much a part of the story as the characters…and I found that delightful.
Well written with good characterization and plot. Loved it.
I have to admit that I struggled with this one, in the beginning. It made me feel desolate, at times, as though I were actually in the great alone. But, I stuck with it and I am glad I did. It was definitely worth it. The characters, the setting, all of it worked together to make a very exciting book to read.
I love Kristin Hannah’s books. They reach deep into my soul and make me look at life with a different lens. While some of the “adventures” in Alaska seem a little far fetched, it is still a haunting portrayal of what we do for love of family.
Amazing read. Thoroughly enjoyed learning more about life and survival in Alaska in the 1970s and the story kept me turning pages throughout. Highly recommend.
*Fyi for Christian fiction readers – this is a general market book so has some language/situations, etc.
This book reminded me a lot of the book, Educated. A young girl that gets abused and make her way in life. Also love reading Alaskan stories an wonder could I do this?
This book! An incredible story, characters I felt I knew, a land I knew little about (Alaska) but came to know intimately…and so well written!! Highly recommend!
Everything I know about Alaska.