The Great Alone: Kristin Hannah
Title: The Great Alone
Author: Kristin Hannah
Published: Feb. 6, 2018
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 450
Review: Library book
Buy Link: Amazon
Alaska, 1974.
Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.
Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.
Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if it means following him into the unknown
At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they 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 Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.
But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. 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. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.
In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska―a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.
This book was recommended to me by my daughter's teacher and my friend. I have to say I am impressed. At first, I assumed I had not heard about this author before, but when I went to look into her books, I noticed I had read one of her books before and was impressed with her writing. This was a story was one that I literally could not put down. The storyline just perfect, and it all went at the perfect pace. Alaska is a place that is so beautiful it can kill you if you are not careful. When the Allbrights decide that they will be moving to Alaska, it will not be easy. Their family life is already a rough one since Mr. Ernt has come back from war. Poor Leni sees a lot but knows not to make waves with her father. At first, Alaska seems to be okay for their family; they start making friends slowly, but surely, they learn to start living off the land. Yet, as you know, when it gets darker in Alaska, people's moods can change. And with Ernt, it seems to be no different. Yet, it seems to be worse. I really loved how the neighbors of the town really stood for one another. Willing to help and did not fully judge anyone except if you decide to beat on your wife. As time goes on, we see just how strong the Allbright ladies are, and it seems that Mrs. Allbright is willing to do anything to keep her family together. We see Leni grow and fall in love. I really thought it was amazing how even knowing her family is damaged, she can find love. Sometimes the forbidden love is the best one. When we get towards the end of the story, we finally see Mrs. Allbright stand up like she should have all along. Sometimes it takes seeing something horrible start to happen before we step up and do what could be considered the right thing. Finally, they get the happiness they need, but what is fully the cost? Happiness? Security? I was delighted that Leni got herself a happy ending. It was much needed. This story was great, the characters, the plot, the pace, the storyline. It all went together perfectly. I am glad I read it.
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