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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A great book!
Kristin Hannah is an amazing writer. I was so impressed by The Nightingale, and didn’t know if she could tackle other venues with as much deep feeling, realism and intensity. She does! I can’t wait to read another of her novels. This was a remarkable story and I absolutely recommend it!
I have a brother who served in Viet Nam. This book gave me some insight into possibly why he thinks the way he does.
I love Kristen Hannah’s style of writing. This seemed different from her other books but was good too!
This is the story of the Albright family. Cora and and Ernt and their 13 year old daughter, Leni have just moved to Alaska. Broke and with no where to turn, Ernt has inherited his uncle’s cabin in a small Alaskan. Here there is no running water or electricity, and winters are hard. The Albrights need to learn how to survive, and quickly. What doesn’t help is that Ernt was a POW and has never recovered. The dark brings out his demons. He is abusive to his wife and daughter, and has long spells where he thinks everyone is out to get him.
The community surrounds Cora and Leni and takes good care of them. They continually try to encourage Cora to leave Ernt – that they will protect her. But she doens’t feel she can. She loves him, she says, so she stays. Leni thrives living in Alaska. She becomes tough. She falls in love with a boy. She dreams of escaping her father and protecting her mother.
One night, Cora has had enough. She plans their escape. Leni runs off with a boy, Matthew, to hide and wait for her mother. But tragedy strikes, and their whole world is turned upside down. The life Leni dreamed of having suddenly comes to a halt.
This was another great book by Kristin Hannah. I have read everything she has ever written and am never disappointed. She has great character development and she draws you into the story. I always need to finish her books quickly -see how they end. This one falls short of what I consider her greatest novel – The Nightingale – but it is still very well worth the read.
Check it out. You will not be disappointed.
I love Alaska but this story was so bleak, it left me wishing I did not read it. Surprised that it got so many positive reviews. Not Kristin Hannah’s most engaging characters.
This is an excellent book! The author captures the emotions and motivations of the characters so well that it seems she must have experienced these feelings personally! There are twists in the plot that are so unpredictable and keep the story moving and interesting. Character development is wonderful.
Our Book Club read this book and everyone found it hard to put down. Wonderful descriptions of Alaska and a story every woman can relate to.
This transported me back to the turmoil of the 60’s and the impact that the Vietman conflict had on so many. It also showed the beauty and harshness of Alaska. Wonderful characters that will stay with me a long time. Loved it!!,
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is a marvelous read. Bravo, Kristin! I think it deserves a place among the 100 greatest novels of all time. I’ve kept it on my Kindle; I intend to read it again. Highly recommended.
I have not read it yet, would like to have it sent to my Kindle…..am I doing something wrong?
This book deals with a person who has turned into a mean and angry person who tries to isolate his family and is known for violence against his wife and daughter. Hard to read, but definitely thought provoking.
I couldn’t stop reading until I knew the entire story. This is my first book by Kristin Hannah but it won’t be my last.
I loved this book. The characters came to life and the story is unforgettable.
Love anything she writes!!
It grabbed me. I have been to Alaska, but not the area described here. Makes me want to go back!
Hard to put down! The physical, emotional and mental character development set against the beauty and wild of Alaska affirms “The Great Alone” as a place and state-of mind. Realistically portrayed and believable!
Hannah did an excellent job portraying the challenges experienced by many veterans returning from war and the challenges their families experience. When the veteran goes to extremes, the family may also need to take extreme measures.
The author told a beautiful story about Alaska. Very believable and very intense. Kept waiting for the shoe to drop. Finished the book in tears.
Can’t wait to read her other books!