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Overview
Overview
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 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.
- Format: Hardcover
- Author: Hannah, Kristin
- ISBN: 9780312577230
- Condition: New
- Dimensions: 9.40 x 1.50
- Number Of Pages: 448
- Publication Year: 2018
Customer Reviews
Rating Snapshot
5 ★
88%
4 ★
6%
3 ★
6%
2 ★
0%
1 ★
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16 Ratings
0
0% Would Recommend
0 Recommendations
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Breathtaking and frightening
Jamie A. - 2 years 7 months agoI honestly did not think that Kristin Hannah could produce something as moving and unforgettable as The Nightingale. But, The Great Alone is every bit as good, but it's definitely different from The Nightingale. A family moves to Alaska to live off the grid and start a new life. The father is a Vietnam POW, and he has returned from war a violent and abusive man who drinks too much. Despite all of it, his wife has an unshakable love for him - and also fears him too much to run away. Their daughter is only a teenager, confused by her parents' relationship and their nomadic lifestyle. Alaska brings out the best and worst of this family. It's a tale of domestic strife and coming of age. Hannah weaves a tale that is breathtaking and frightening, tense and wondrous, beautiful and heart-wrenching. I thought that I would die from the heartbreak - but there is light at the end, and it felt like coming home.
HPB Staff Review -
A Masterpiece
Sabrina F. - 5 years 3 months agoThe Great Alone is easily one of the best books I have ever read, but beware, it is a tough read that deals with some heavy topics, including domestic violence. Leni and her mother Cora endure a lot of hardship in this novel, but they also learn that they are stronger than they ever realized. In Kaneq, Alaska, they find hope, inner-strength, and community. The Great Alone is beautifully-written. The journey may be harsh and feel hopeless at times, but keep going. You are going to love it.
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A Story Well Done
Rochelle P. - 5 years 4 months agoReally great story that centers around 1 family and their patriarch's choice to move them to the harsh terrain of the Alaska wilderness. At times it was suspenseful and sad - just like life can be I suppose. #SpringPicks
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The Great Alone
HPB S. - 5 years 11 months agoI thought the subject matter was rather dark. The characters were well developed. I'm not sure I would consider it one of my favorites. I have liked other books by this author better. The setting of Alaska was well described.
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A must read for those who want to know how wars affect our soldiers.
jacqueline P. - 6 years agoI have always wondered what it would be like to have PTSD and this book gives a powerful look at the destruction that changes the mind of those who suffer from the disease. It creates not only one angry individual but also a person who is a threat to so many other people. I lived a part of this book, not having PTSD but knowing someone who did. His behavior was always a mystery until I read this book.