Longtime readers of Kristin Hannah know her novels will be gut wrenching, so before turning the first page of The Great Alone, I was apprehensive. Hannah’s storylines are always emotionally compelling and thought provoking, and this one is no different. In fact, even though I read The Great Alone in 2018, it is a book I think about often.
The story is told through the lens of Leni in 1974 when at 13, she and her parents move to Alaska for a fresh start. If surviving the harsh wilderness and 18 hours of darkness each day is not difficult enough, Leni and her mother must navigate the extreme mood swings of her father, a Vietnam POW.
When the Allbright family arrives in Kaneq, they find a close-knit community where they develop friendships and learn ways to live off the grid. However, no one is coming to save Leni or her mother from the demons in their own home. The story explores themes of survival, love, resilience, and the lengths to which one will go to protect their family.
Trigger warnings: domestic abuse, child abuse, alcoholism and PTSD
Julia Whelan narrates the audiobook, and I listened to the audiobook in the car and read the book at home.
Look for this recommendation and other books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent bookstore each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to make you one, too. For more recommendations or just to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
