Review of The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

"The Great Alone" is a historical fiction novel written by Kristin Hannah, an American author known for her emotionally charged and character-driven stories. The book was published in 2018.

The novel is set in 1974 and revolves around the life of the Allbright family. The main characters are Ernt Allbright, his wife Cora, and their teenage daughter, Leni. Ernt is a former Vietnam War veteran who is haunted by the traumatic experiences he endured during the war, including being held as a prisoner of war. He suffers from PTSD, and the war has left a deep impact on his mental state.

In an attempt to escape the pressures of modern society and start anew, the Allbrights move from Seattle to the wilderness of Alaska. They settle in a remote and isolated area near the small town of Kaneq, where they hope to live off the land and be self-sufficient. The vast, beautiful, and unforgiving Alaskan wilderness seems to offer them the fresh start they desperately seek.

However, the harsh reality of Alaska's long and brutal winters, combined with Ernt's deteriorating mental health, soon takes a toll on the family. As they struggle to survive the extreme conditions and the challenges of living in isolation, their relationships become strained.

Leni, the Allbrights' daughter, becomes particularly affected by the situation. The novel explores her coming-of-age journey as she tries to find her place in this wild and rugged environment while facing the trials of her family's tumultuous dynamics. She also finds solace and support from a boy named Matthew Walker, a fellow teenager living nearby, which complicates the already tense atmosphere in the community.

"The Great Alone" delves into themes of love, resilience, survival, and the power of nature. It also examines the destructive impact of domestic violence and the lasting scars it can leave on individuals and families. Kristin Hannah's gripping storytelling and vivid depiction of the Alaskan wilderness make the novel a compelling and emotionally intense read.

The book received critical acclaim and commercial success, further establishing Kristin Hannah as a highly respected author in the contemporary literary world. It is a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit, set against the breathtaking but harsh backdrop of Alaska's unforgiving wilderness.