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Rach Reads

Book Review: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Book: 12/100

Rating: 4.5/5

Summary: [From Goodreads]: 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.

Thoughts: Ugh. Kristin Hannah can do no wrong. I've seriously loved every book I've read by her! I've never read a book where the setting is so vivid. I felt like I was right there in Alaska in the 1970s. She is a master at setting the scene. Not only that - her characters! The first 3/4 of the book I definitely had more of an affinity for the characters than the ending.


There were few things that made this a 4.5 star as opposed to a 5 star: I found that Leni was a stronger character in the first 3/4 of the book than the last 1/4. Some of her decisions made me roll my eyes but had to remind myself that this girl grew up in total isolation, and some things that we would think to do, she wouldn't. The Great Alone provoked so much emotion in me: at some parts I was yelling "no!", my jaw was dropping, and I had to immediately vent to my mom (who read this last year) about what I just read. I know a book is a winner when I have physical reactions when reading it. Even though this was a beautifully written fiction novel, there was still a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming (which I appreciated)!


I listened to this book on Audible - Julia Whelan narrates it and she is fantastic! She is widely regarded in the bookstagram community as a master narrater and she did not disappoint. I tend to avoid listening to fiction over audio because the narration can definitely make or break a book. I would really recommend listening to this one if you can, but I do look forward to giving this one a re-read!

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