Helpful Score: 3
I had seen so many people writing raving reviews about this book that I finally said, "I have to read this book!" And now that I have read it, I have to chime in that this is one of the best books that I have read this year. It is so incredibly well written and intense, pulling you forward in the story and making it impossible to put it down. It takes place in Alaska and revolves around a family who moves there when they inherit a house from the dad's war buddy. Ernt Allbright, the dad, is a former Vietnam POW who has terrible dark episodes caused by his war days. Cora, the mom, remembers him before he left for the war and keeps staying with him despite his physical abuse towards her. Their teenage daughter, Leni, is caught between the two and brought to live in this remote location with its unforgiving nature. This is a complex story covering many facets of life: growing up, rural towns, surviving difficult situations, the endurance of love, and mental and physical problems. This is one of those stories that will stay with you for a long time. If you only read one book this year, this is the one to read.
Helpful Score: 2
While a riveting story, carefully told, and full of considerate neighbors and magnificent scenery, this is probably not the book to read if you are considering moving to Alaska for good. The grim reality of the Alaskan wilderness is that if you're not prepared, really prepared, you could die out there. As the story unfolds, you realize that everyone is not getting out of there alive The ending was somewhat a tad too charming, but I feel like it gives you an prudent idea of Alaskan wilderness and of the scourge of those unfortunate to have a mental illness, not to mention the shamefulness of the laws that hindered women from being beaten by their husbands.
Helpful Score: 2
Love, love, love! I love Kristin Hannah! I love "The Great Alone"! I love Leni, the main character. I love the engrossing tale of a young girl who feels like an outcast (because of moving so often)that falls in love with Alaska and a boy, while dealing with the horrors of an abusive father with PTSD. I love the supporting characters as well and how they befriended her. Highly recommend!
Helpful Score: 2
I absolutely loved this story. I've never had much interest in Alaska but after reading this book I was watching YouTube videos and looking at images trying to capture the essence of what was portrayed and it was spot on. I loved that the main character was a 14 year girl and we saw life in Alaska in her young eyes. The young love between her and Matthew was sweet. The dark side of the book is real life and not everyone has princess lives. I can see how that life can easily happen. I think Kristen Hannah did a fabulous job on this book!
Helpful Score: 1
The story of a family that moved to Alaska. The father began having rages after he came home from Vietnam. The story is told from the viewpoint of Leni who is 13 at the start of the book and 18 later. She has a friend in Matthew. Her father hates Matthew's father so forbids her to be with him. A lot of violence. Darkness in Alaska and darkness in the family. But there is light, too.
