The Great Alone: A Novel

Kristin Hannah

Feb 2018 · Sold by St. Martin's Press

About this ebook

#1 New York Times Instant Bestseller

In Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone, a desperate family seeks a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness of Alaska only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature.

Alaska, 1974. Ernt Allbright came home from the Vietnam War a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes the impulsive decision to move his wife and daughter north where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Cora will do anything for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown. Thirteen-year-old Leni, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, has little choice but to go along, daring to hope this new land promises her family a better future.

In a wild, remote corner of Alaska, the Allbrights find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the newcomers’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own.

Ratings and reviews

I could not put this book down! So much suspense and drama! I especially loved the romance part of this book. Maybe a little Too descriptive at times.

This book both made me happy and pissed me the h*ll off at the same time. Kristin Hannah really and truly touched on a topic that boils my blood, but the way she does it makes me glad she wrote this book. While I typically cannot handle disturbing very well, her writing makes it easier to cope with. I know that seems odd, but how something is written about can make a difference. No heart or emotion in it? Makes it really gross to read. Have heart and emotion in it, then it makes the parts easier to read. Maybe that's just me though. While there are certain parts of this book I could slap some characters in the face, particularly one character, I still had a hard time putting the book down. I love the ending very much. Know why? Read and find out....😉.

Beautiful and terrifying, finding yourself in a place that is so lonely and remote, and having a monster among you. I doubt I will ever forget this powerful and wonderfully told story.

About the author

KRISTIN HANNAH is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels, including The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds. A former lawyer turned writer, she lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest.