Kristin Hannah

From the worldwide number one bestselling author of The Nightingale comes Kristin Hannah’s latest bestseller. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss. GOODREADS HISTORICAL NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2018 'A rich, compelling novel of love, sacrifice and survival, as epic as the Alaskan landscape it so vividly describes' Kate Morton ‘A woman has to be tough as steel up here. You can’t count on anyone to save you and your children. You have to be willing to save yourselves.’ Thirteen-year-old Leni is coming of age in a tumultuous time. Caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, she dares to hope that Alaska will lead to a better future for her family, and a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown. As Leni grows up in the shadow of her parents’ increasingly volatile marriage, she meets Matthew. And Matthew – thoughtful, kind, brave – makes her believe in the possibility of a better life . . . With her trademark combination of elegant prose and deeply drawn characters, Kristin Hannah celebrates the remarkable and enduring strength of women. ‘A masterclass’ Sunday Times bestselling author Karen Swan ‘Rapturous’ New York Times ‘Epic’ Washington Post

A Compelling Story of Love, Heartbreak and Survival, From the Multi-million Copy Bestselling Author of The Nightingale

The Great Alone

Mariah crawford

Did adults just look at the world and see what they wanted to see, think what they wanted to think? Did evidence and experience mean nothing?

He stopped scentences halfway through all the time, as if he was afraid of giving voice to scary or depressing thoughts.

The world is run by lunatics. It’s not my America anymore.

You don’t stop loving a person when they’re hurt. You get stronger so they can lean on you.

An empty flagpole pointed accusingly upward, a statement about her father’s hatred of where this country was headed. For a man whom Mama called a patriot, he sure hated his government.

It’s almost like nothing will ever change even after 38 years.

As far as Leni could tell, adults were edgy in general, and no wonder. The war in Vietnam had divided the country. Newspapers blared bad news daily: bombings by Weatherman or the IRA; planes being hijacked; the kidnapping of Patty Heart. The massacre at the Munich Olympics had stunned the whole world, as had the Watergate scandal. And recently, college girls in Washington State had begun to disappear without a trace. It was a dangerous world.

Servane de Guillebon 

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.

A Novel

kristie alexis

Pierre

Okay, it wasn’t what I thought it would be, but it was beautifully heartbreaking. I love her writing and her storytelling.

Jazz

Soapy but ripped through it. Read for book club

taylor miles hopkins

Such an incredible, heart-wrenching story until the rushed ending 

Shelby Wheeler

Lenora Allbright is 13 when her father convinces her mother, Cora, to forgo their inauspicious existence in Seattle and move to Kaneq, AK. It's 1974, and the former Vietnam POW sees a better future away from the noise and nightmares that plague him. Having been left a homestead by a buddy who died in the war, Ernt is secure in his beliefs, but never was a family less prepared for the reality of Alaska, the long, cold winters and isolation. Locals want to help out, especially classmate Matthew Walker, who likes everything about Leni. Yet the harsh conditions bring out the worst in Ernt, whose paranoia takes over their lives and exacerbates what Leni sees as the toxic relationship between her parents. The Allbrights are as green as greenhorns can be, and even first love must endure unimaginable hardship and tragedy as the wilderness tries to claim more victims.

abby .˚｡⋆ ༊ .˚｡⋆

absolutely wrecked me. This is story of violence and heartbreak. love and strength. Matthew and Leni’s love story was so heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. Booking a trip to alaska now <3

Isabella 

such an emotionally compelling book. it was beautifully written. i shed a tear

This is my favorite KH book. Heartbreaking, emotional, beautiful, redemptive, I loved it.

Cheri McElroy

This book will rip your heart out in the best way. the story is so heart wrenching and true it is so 100% worth a read. The biggest thing that this book is about is love, in all the forms it can take - good and evil.

Daphne Li-Chen

This book will rip your heart out in the best way. the story is so heart wrenching and true it is so 100% worth a read. The biggest thing that this book is about is love, in all the forms it can take - good and evil.

read it! it’s 100% worth a read. 

Denaiir

This was so good, it made me feel such conflicting things, I liked it then I started loving it, then I hated it and I finished crying like a baby. 
If you feel frustrated with the book about 2/3 in, trust me and continue, it will all be ok in the end.
About the audio version, the narrator Julia Whelan is amazing as always and she was the perfect choice for this book. 
This was my first book by Krisin Hannah and I will definitely read more

I haven’t cried this hard since A Little Life 

Shanna 

Really great book and audiobook. I would say this is one worth reading. I cried with the reunion and I can’t imagine how much I would’ve cried if I was reading it rather than listening to it while multi-tasking. 

Was the writing particularly notable? Not especially. Was the story particularly unique? Not especially. But it doesn’t mean it’s not a good read overall. 

Syrina Akbari

Really great book and audiobook. I would say this is one worth reading. I cried with the reunion and I can’t imagine how much I would’ve cried if I was reading it rather than listening to it while multi-tasking. 

Was the writing particularly notable? Not especially. Was the story particularly unique? Not especially. But it doesn’t mean it’s not a good read overall. 

Amy Place

I liked this book but I'm real sick of people getting pregnant after having sex one time. Does that happen in real life as often as it does in books and movies?

Rodney Crawford

Krystyna 

Characters

The characters within this story are so vivid and well-developed. They felt so real to me. They are flawed and complex and they truly come alive as you read this story. The complexity of these characters adds a richness that I loved. You love and root for some characters and you despise other characters, but it's not that simple.

Ernt Allbright is a Vietnam veteran and suffers from severe PTSD. He was a POW survivor, and after being back home he was a different person. He was an alcoholic with a short, quick temper. He was controlling and abusive, and suffers from paranoia and night terrors. As I was reading scenes throughout this book, which were heavy to say the least, I realized how much I despised his character. 

Cora Allbright is the wife of Ernt and the mother of Leni. I had a love/hate relationship with Cora. I really enjoyed her character but I would get so frustrated with her. I despised the way she stuck with Ernt through everything, and subjected her daughter to witness everything. On the other hand, I loved her seeing how much she cared and loved her daughter. I felt for Cora because she is the victim of abuse and she feels trapped with no way out.

Leni Allbright stole my heart in this book. Even though some parts were tough to read, I loved seeing how strong Leni was, and how she persevered through some extremely difficult times. Leni's character really resonated with me and some of her story hit close to home. I enjoyed seeing how much love she had for her mother; it was unconditional. But, my heart broke for Leni, over and over again. 

Matthew Walker is the star of the story for me. This was one of the most selfless, sweetest, toughest characters throughout the novel. I really loved Matthew. He was childhood friends with Leni and I loved seeing their relationship develop throughout the years. Matthew went through some really difficult times of his own, but over time he was coming to terms and trying to accept everything and move on. I thoroughly loved his character; he was so endearing and strong.

There were a ton of great secondary characters. I really enjoyed Large Marge and Mr. Walker. The secondary characters really bring the story and setting to life. They form up thi small community and makes it feel so realistic. Overall, these characters are quite memorable and will stick with me for a long time.

Story

This is a survival story about the Allbright family. Ernt Allbright is a Vietnam vet who suffers from PTSD, and can't seem to keep a job to support his family. Cora, his wife, is working trying to make ends meet. But just as soon as they seem to settle in one place, Ernt uproots his wife and their daughter, Leni, to wherever he thinks there is a better opportunity. He gets mail from his war buddy's father, stating that he is inheriting property in Alaska. Ernt thinks that this is his big break, to get away from the government and society, and live off the land in remote Alaska. The Allbrights relocate to Alaska and realize they are very unprepared for the harsh environment that lies ahead. They have to learn how to survive the severely harsh winters, adapt to the days being mostly dark, and realize that the Alaskan winter isn't their biggest threat.

Writing

The writing was phenomenal. The descriptions and imagery used throughout this story really brought the setting and atmosphere to life. The characters were so distinct and the story captivated my heart, and ripped it throughout the entirety of the novel. It was so heavy and bittersweet. It made me feel so many emotions and I'm glad that I finally got around to reading it. The author did an amazing job capturing life in a remote Alaskan community, the harsh winter season, and the individuality and distinctness of each character. There were so many quotes that I jotted down while reading this book. The story is beautifully written and unforgettable. 

Overall

I loved this book. This story stole my heart, for sure. I knew going into this story that it was going to be heavy, but oh my heart! I fell in love with the setting and the descriptions of Alaska. The atmosphere of this book was so great. I could write forever about this book, my thoughts, and love for this story. The ending really tugged at my heartstrings but I felt like it was a little too rushed. I wish it was a little more detailed and developed. But, it wasn't enough to make me deduct a star. I still thoroughly enjoyed the ending. I didn't want to leave this story or these characters. I would really like to see a movie adaptation. 

Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, death of a parent, alcoholism, depression, PTSD

momo-reads

I should have followed my first instinct and quit 1/3 of the way through.  Terrible things happen to everyone in the book all the way through.  No redemption for anyone.

Cindy

As someone who grew up in Alaska, I’m very pleased with how well the author captured the heartbreak it can be yet the beauty it holds. It was fun hearing real places I have been put into a book. She captures Alaska beautifully. The story is the same way. Heartbreaking but beautiful. 

Kaitlyn Chauvin 

What a story! I think what I loved the most about this book was the setting - Alaskan wilderness in the 70s. Heartbreaking yet so beautiful. 

Jacqui Spears

This book was a slow start but the characters get under your skin and I didn’t want to put it down. It brought me to tears more than once. So good. 

Kegan Fountain

Savanah Tujague

Jade Kilbey 

Probably my favourite book I've ever read! I cried my eyes out nearly all the way through but it was so worth it. I wish I could forget it and read it all over again! This book will stay with you for a long time. ❤

Taylor Rae Peterson

Didn't expect to love this one as much as I did! It struck me in many ways and I was absolutely enraptured in the story, but the ending read almost like a Hallmark film, although think I'm just a bit of an extreme over-analyzer when it comes to how a story is wrapped up. I've been meaning to dive into Kristin Hannah, but the story lines didn't particularly excite me. I'll definitely read more of her work this year

Rachel Kanyid

Oh my gosh. This book gave me all the feels. So good.

Lyric Hooey

I don’t know if I have the words to describe how I loved this book. It was simply captivating. A perfect combination of fiction, adventure, suspense, romance. I would read it out loud to my husband before we’d go to bed and he would say he could picture everything that Kristin Hannah was describing. It makes you want to experience the magic of Alaska. The bond described between Leni and Cora might be the biggest part of why I loved it so much.

Trish

A girl was like a kite; without her mother’s strong, steady hold on the string, she might just float away, be lost somewhere among the clouds.

But what is a daughter to do when her mother is the one leading her astray and keeping her persistently in harm's way?


This part of the review contains a couple character/plot spoilers so read at your own risk.(view spoiler)[

This book completely missed the mark for me... I know what the author intended for me to feel and which characters I was supposed to care for and sympathize with - but I couldn't, for the life of me, get there. 400+ pages and I still don't understand the foundation of Cora and Ernt's obsessive love for each other. Cora could go to her parents for money, but not to escape mental, emotional, and physical abuse from the "love of her life"? This love was so blinding that it wasn't until he was beating up her pregnant daughter that she resorted to fighting back? I understand that Cora felt trapped and loved Ernt, etc. etc., but until that one incident, she literally NEVER fought back. She was always pacifying everyone around her and making excuses for him, but never once warned Ernt that she'd leave him or that she'd report him or made him move out. There were never any consequences for his irrational behavior. Rather Cora consciously aggravated the situation by making him jealous, at risk of harming herself and innocent others. Ultimately, I felt sorry for everyone - Ernt, that he never got the help he needed as a Vietnam War vet/POW, Cora because she feels stuck in an abusive relationship but makes more efforts to ignore/dismiss Ernt's faults than make him take responsibility for it, and most of all Leni because she is growing up in this highly volatile and toxic environment with two adults who keep throwing the word "love" around when they have no godly idea what it means. 

The last 100 pages reminded me of When the Crawdads Sing or Little Fires Everywhere - a pseudo, almost courtroom drama that unfolds quickly and rapidly into nothingness. But first, imagine being that STUPID and not realizing that admitting to being an accomplice to murder and putting it in writing would get you arrested. IMAGINE being that dumb. I can't. Like, how did she pass high school and get into college? The real criminal was the school system that failed Leni. Thank god Tom knew the governor who saved the day and got the charges dropped against Leni. I mean, what if she had fallen in love with good for nothing, rat's nest for hair Axle. ALSO WHAT WAS THE POINT OF AXLE AS A CHARACTER? WAS HE JUST A FOIL TO MATTHEW? IDK. 

I wasn't particularly enthralled by the teenage love affair between Matthew and Leni either, whose love survived long-distance as pen pals for four years but then got too greedy for affection/sex and couldn't hold back long enough to go off to college together before tragedy struck. Man being horny teenagers can really just ruin everything.  (hide spoiler)]

Am I being too harsh on the plot/characters? Maybe. But I'm in a pissy mood because I haven't read a good, mind-blowing book since The Heart's Invisible Furies and it's making me mad that I can't seem to figure out what it is my brain is craving. 

But I can tell you, it wasn't this melodrama. 

Look, the somewhat redeeming part of the novel is the relationship between Leni and her mother Cora. That being said, there are much better books about the topic. I love books about mothers and daughters. It's a real soft spot of mine. My own relationship with my mom is so integral to my being - we are insanely codependent - that books that explore all the various types and facets of mother-daughter relationships fascinate me endlessly. Books I've loved are: 

Everything I Never Told You, Celeste Ng
Writers & Lovers, Lily King
White Oleander, Janet Fitch
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith
Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

This isn't so much of a review, as it is a rant. This book should be called: All the shit things that happen to Leni after she moves to Alaska, but it's she still loves it because she meets her soulmate in high school and they live happily every after because his dad literally owns the town that they live in and knows the governor and shit. That's it. That's the summary of the book.

The Great Alone A Compelling Story of Love, Heartbreak and Survival, From the Multi-million Copy Bestselling Author of The Nightingale

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