The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

5/5 Stars

Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors, and The Great Alone is certainly one of her best. Gripping, emotionally compelling, dramatic, heartbreaking but redemptive in the end, this book is an exciting ride. Before the reader picks up this novel, it should be noted that there are a lot of heavy issues dealt with in this book - abuse and PTSD among them. But it is well worth the read.

It is 1974 and 13-year-old Leni is growing up in a terribly difficult world. Her father, Ernt Allbright, was a POW in the Vietnam War who, while he thankfully returned home, returned home a different man full of anger and skepticism. Leni’s mother, Cora, still desperately loves Ernt and clings to the hope of who he once was making endless excuses for his unhealthy and abusive behavior. Cora will do anything for and follow the man she loves anywhere even to the unknown of one of Alaska’s most secluded communities after a war friend’s property is willed to Ernt. At first, life seems different and the old Ernt returns. The Allbrights feel a sense of normalcy and abounding love and happiness. But the cold darkness of Alaska’s harsh winters brings out the demons that lurk within, and Ernt’s violence and paranoia return full force. Meanwhile, Leni falls in love with the son of Ernt’s enemy and his jealous anger erupts as a result of this relationship. Through unimaginable tragedy and hardship, Leni and Cora realize what they should have realized sooner - that they are alone and that their survival is dependent on one another.

The story paints a portrait of the American pioneer life in a beautiful yet dangerous Alaska. It explores the depths of human love and the unbreakable and unwavering bond between a mother and a child. It is full of danger and hope, fear and redemption, hate, jealousy and love. There is such a juxtaposition of emotions in this novel that weave beautifully together. There is the mourning of loss and the celebration of new life. Your heart will be tugged in so many directions.

And that’s where I’m going to stop so as not to spoil the story for anyone who has not yet read it. If you pick this one up, please let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear them. Happy reading!