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A review by mackenzierm
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
5.0
Ernt is a former POV who has come home from the Vietnam War as a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes the impulsive decision to move his family to Alaska where they will live off the grid. Leni is a 13 year old girl who is coming of age during a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents' volatile relationship, but daring to hope that this new land will bring a better future for her family. Cora, Leni's mother, will do anything for the man she loves. Alaska seems like the answer to the prayers that they've been waiting for, where there's a fiercely independent community of strong people. As winter approaches, Ernt's fragile mental state deteriorates, putting his wife and child at risk. Leni and Cora soon learn that they are on their own, in the wild, where no one will save them but themselves.
This was such an incredibly powerful and moving read, set in the rural regions of Alaska in 1974. At times, this was a difficult book to listen to as the events contained within are tragic and heartbreaking, but nonetheless I absolutely adored Lenora (Leni)'s story. It is also a story that you don't really want to put down, needing to what and how things will happen. The setting of rural Alaska is expertly described and is easily one of my favourite aspects of this book. It feels natural, realistic, and so atmospheric.
THE GREAT ALONE is primarily told in Leni's voice, but does have short chapters in alternating POVs. This story is a journey of growth, loss, survival, and tragedy. It is beautifully written with distinct, realistic, and relatable characters. I absolutely loved Large Marge, she's the perfect ally for the MC.
Last but not least, the audiobook narration is sublime.
This was such an incredibly powerful and moving read, set in the rural regions of Alaska in 1974. At times, this was a difficult book to listen to as the events contained within are tragic and heartbreaking, but nonetheless I absolutely adored Lenora (Leni)'s story. It is also a story that you don't really want to put down, needing to what and how things will happen. The setting of rural Alaska is expertly described and is easily one of my favourite aspects of this book. It feels natural, realistic, and so atmospheric.
THE GREAT ALONE is primarily told in Leni's voice, but does have short chapters in alternating POVs. This story is a journey of growth, loss, survival, and tragedy. It is beautifully written with distinct, realistic, and relatable characters. I absolutely loved Large Marge, she's the perfect ally for the MC.
Last but not least, the audiobook narration is sublime.