51 pages • 1 hour read
448
Novel • Fiction
Alaska • 1970s
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL720L
In The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, Leni Allbright's coming-of-age story unfolds as her family moves to a remote Alaskan town, Kaneq. Her father, Ernt, a Vietnam veteran with PTSD, struggles to adjust, causing tension and hardship. Despite community support and a deepening friendship with Matthew Walker, escalating domestic violence and personal tragedies challenge Leni and her mother, ultimately leading Leni to return to Alaska as an adult to honor her mother's last wishes. Triggering or sensitive topics include domestic violence and PTSD.
Emotional
Challenging
Adventurous
Melancholic
Contemplative
1,035,943 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone is widely praised for its vivid Alaskan setting and emotional depth. Reviewers commend Hannah's storytelling and character development, highlighting the protagonist's resilience. However, some critique the plot's melodramatic elements and predictability. Overall, it's a moving tale with impactful themes, though not without its flaws.
Readers who appreciated the rugged resilience and emotional depth of Cheryl Strayed's Wild or the familial complexities of Kristin Hannah's own The Nightingale will be captivated by The Great Alone. This book is ideal for those who seek powerful family sagas set against the majestic yet unforgiving backdrop of Alaska.
1,035,943 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
448
Novel • Fiction
Alaska • 1970s
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL720L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.