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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Best book of 2018
This book held my attention from beginning to end. The characters were very realistic and the story was ast moving.
This is a story of survival and coming-of-age in spite of two dysfunctional parents and the harsh Alaska environment. It would have been easier for this teen if her parents did not love her and she could walk away. Domestic violence and post-war PTSD complicate the family dysfunction. Well-written descriptive passages bring out the unforgiving ess of the family and environment.
S
Slow start but became harder to put down as I got further into book
Wow….I always enjoy Kristin Hannah reads, but this might just top them all. Very well written story.
I’ve been reading Kristin since the 90s and she’s brilliant. I liked this book even more than The Nightengale.
I loved this book. It was a tragic story beautifully written.
Alaska is a magical, raw setting for this coming-of-age adventure and love story.
This is a book that you can’t put down and you
don’t want it to end. The friends I have recommended it to have enjoyed it as well.
I did not expect to like this book because of the subject matter, but I LOVE Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, so I gave The Great Alone a try. I don’t know how she did it, but the author made me feel cold, and terrified of being cold! I read with trepidation their efforts to find and secure food, all while dealing with an unraveling family member. If you ever had any thoughts about going off the grid and moving to Alaska this book is a must-read before you pack!
A dysfunctional family saga set in Alaska -the characters are vivid and believable. The book deals with domestic abuse and the difficulty escaping the violence.
My husband really enjoyed listening to this book.
This one gutted me. I’m recommending it because it was a beautiful and well-written book whose characters will stay with me BUT read it when you’re in a good mental space. It’s a book that rip your heart out and make you cry.
Fantastic story about living in outback Alaska in the 1970s
Fabulous
An excellent book. A Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war moves his family to Alaska after inheriting land from a deceased fellow service member. He has PTSD and has serious problems. Their story is fascinating as they face the hardships of living in Alaska.
This novel is not for the faint-hearted. It is gritty and twisted as it explores several issues: effects of the war on veterans, violence, survival and love.
This was a great story, loved the characters and the era it was written about. Though the story had a tragic thread, it was also about strength, perseverance, resilience. Great friendship and love. I am 67, so remember this time with much nostalgia, as often is the past, it was the best of times and the worst of times. This is a book I have recommended to many of my friends. Thanks, Kristen Hannah for another wonderful story!
I thought she couldn’t top Nightingale but this is as good. I learned so much about Alaska and about other major themes: strong women, Vietnam vets with PTSD, battered women, brain damaged people’s outlook, etc. Great book!!!!!