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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This book makes Alaska come alive with characters that have real-life personalities. It will always be one of my most favorite books. For weeks after I finished it, I realized I was shopping for another book that I would enjoy as much. It was a challenge.
Hannah does it again with another great setting and unforgettable characters.
Love love love
Loved this book.
Kristin Hannah once again demonstrates her abilities as a master storyteller. Although a very long read, it is well worth it. It is hard for most to comprehend such an existence but fascinating non the less.
Wow! Roller Coaster ride for sure. So many ups and downs my head was spinning. At one point I didn’t think I wanted to read any more because I couldn’t take the tension, wondering what would happen next! Great story.
Good story with a very different setting. Well written and very entertaining.
This book is amazing! You both love and hate the characters all at the same time. You have to keep reading because you just had to see what was going to happen next! It was a story of what people will do for those they love.
A real page turner. Loved it
My first Kristin Hannah book! I absolutely LOVED IT!
Excellant read above dysfuntional family in Alaska. My favorite author
I particularly enjoyed the description of the Alaskan scenery. The characters were
so realistic they became like people I consider neighbors. The Great Alone is a
novel to remember.
Not my favorite Kristen Hannah. Most of her books keep me involved but this one I sped through to get to the ending. Not the most likable of characters and I found the story a bit depressing
I have been always intrigued by “Alaska” . Kristen Hannah made Alaska come to like in this story of a family that learns of true love, heartbreak, victims of abuse and the courage of these wonderful characters portrayed in her book. She describes the haunting beauty of Alaska as well as harness of the land and what it takes to be a true “Alaskan”. Matthew and Lenora story is one that I will remember. Than you Kristen.
I listened to this book on audio and the narration was terrific, as were the characters. I immediately connected with Lennie, who is introduced as a 13-year-old girl when the book opens. The story follows her through to her early 20s, and the journey from 13 to 20-something is the most harrowing I’ve read about in a number of years.
Learning so much about Alaska was an added bonus to the story. I’ve always been fascinated with the state – from afar – and I can see how people who live there are strengthened by the harsh conditions and the ever-present dangers of winter storms, predators, and the relentless darkness of winter.
Just when I thought the story might be wrapping up at a place where there was a satisfying conclusion to a particular challenge, the author threw another problem at Lennie and her family, and I had a hard time stopping the audio book so I could go to sleep.
Kristin Hannah’s research for her novels distinguishes her among other popular writers today. In this novel, she combines realistic family dynamics, an account of the worst case of PTSD, a gorgeous and horrifying account of life in Alaska, and a happy ending! A very satisfying read! But Know that if you’re going to “just read for 20 minutes” before you fall asleep, it’s probably be more like an hour–can’t put it down!
Loved loved loved this book. Fabulous characters, very descriptive setting. Sad story of family trapped in the clutches of a ptsd father.
This is the best book I’ve read in years. It touched me deeply and I would highly recommend it.
Sad but realistic. Seems the Vietnam war did more damage to the soldiers and this country than I knew. Also very descriptive about life in Alaska. Thoroughly enjoyed
I love this book. By far Kristen Hannah’s best book ever. She tells this story in a way that makes you feel like you are right there with the character and feel every emotion. I tell everyone they have to read this book.