I did it! I’ve finally read my very first Kristin Hannah novel and oh my goodness. I was completely blown away. I was initially intimidated by the 550+ pages, however, upon completion of the book, I realized that the author put every single page to good use! I was completely hooked after chapter 17 and couldn’t stop reading.
It was like an addiction. I even woke up wanting to continue reading. It was that good! I learned a few things about Alaska and know for certain that I am not cut out for that type of lifestyle. This novel is about a young girl named Leni, her mother Cora, and her father Ernt.
Cora is a devoted wife who loves unconditionally. She is the victim of abuse at the hands of her husband, Ernt Allbright, a war veteran with severe PTSD. He is unable to escape his nightmares and demons and often falls victim to the darkness inside of him.
For Leni, her parent’s complicated and heartbreaking love story is the only thing she has ever known. It’s true what they say, you don’t know what you don’t know. For Leni, the constant cycle of abuse followed by forgiveness is all she has ever known.
It really made me wonder, will she fall into the same cycle of love and abuse that her mother did? In a desperate attempt for a fresh new start, the Allbright family pick up and move to Kaneq, Alaska.
Upon arrival, it’s abundantly clear that they are completely unprepared for life in Alaska and more importantly, Alaskan winters. Fortunately, their new and welcoming friends are more than willing to lend a helping hand.
Through the years in Alaska, the Allbright women become “Alaskan tough” while Ernet Allbright spirals deeper into his own nightmares and jealousy. Leni flourishes and discovers herself in Alaska. She even finds love.
Leni and her mother come to realize that with each passing Alaskan winter, things become more terrifying as they are locked within their own home and become increasingly cut off from the rest of the world.
Serious decisions need to be made and quick if they both want to survive another winter. What would you risk for love? I love that this was a becoming of age novel that emphasized the devastating effects of mental illnesses.
PTSD not only affects the individual but also the people around them. I adored most of the characters and even appreciated the less likeable ones. The character development in this novel was perfection! I love how we are taken on a journey of various changes – change in people, weather, the communities, and relationships.
I felt so many emotions reading The Great Alone and the ending almost had me ugly crying. The strong friendships in this book made my heart melt – I mean, who wouldn’t want a friend like Large Marge?! Throughout the story, there was so much loss and even more love.
I felt like my heart broke over and over again. I’m so glad this was my first Kristin Hannah novel because it sets the bar so high. I absolutely loved that she used her own personal experiences and upbringing in this novel! I would definitely recommend this to everyone!.