The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: Book Review

“Alaska isn’t about who you were when you headed this way. It’s about who you become.”
― Kristin Hannah

By far one of the best historical fiction books I’ve ever read. It was the kind of book no review will give justice. Kristen Hannah is in a league of her own anyway, but she hit it out of the park with this one. You will feel every emotion and experience everything a good book has to offer. The book is easy to read, but incredibly impactful. You will undoubtedly get attached to the characters and completely sympathize with them through all their troubles. From the everyday struggles the main character Leni has, to the trauma she has suffered for years. It’s not only Leni who gets to your heart, it’s about every character that is introduced. The book shows the pain Leni’s mother, Cora, endures on a daily basis. As she is the wife of an abusive husband, Ernt, who she can’t stop loving for reasons no one else can understand. In 1974, the family decided to move to Alaska and live on land Ernt inherited from an old friend he met during the Vietnam war. These characters not only go through emotional struggles, but living in the middle of Alaska raises many problems, which include no electricity, plumbing, or access to the outside world. On a higher note Leni befriends Matthew, the only other kid her age. They find out it’s not only her mother that falls for boys that by no means make life easier. I couldn’t hold back from crying multiple times 🙁 It’s the kind of book that will appeal to everyone for completely different reasons. I couldn’t put it down and I actually read it in one day!! So if you are planning on reading it, I more than highly suggest it.

Quotes:

“Books are the mile markers of my life. Some people have family photos or home movies to record their past. I’ve got books. Characters. For as long as I can remember, books have been my safe place.”
― Kristin Hannah

“All this time, Dad had taught Leni how dangerous the outside world was. The truth was that the biggest danger of all was in her own home.”
― Kristin Hannah

“Love and fear. The most destructive forces on earth. Fear had turned her inside out, love had made her stupid.”
― Kristin Hannah

“A girl was like a kite; without her mother’s strong, steady hold on the string, she might just float away, be lost somewhere among the clouds.”
― Kristin Hannah

“In the silence, Leni wondered if one person could ever really save another, or if it was the kind of thing you had to do for yourself.”
― Kristin Hannah

“I think you stand by the people you love.”
― Kristin Hannah

Information:

Genres- romance, historical fiction

How Long- 545 pgs

Publishers- St. Martin’s Griffin

Awards- Goodreads Best Historical Novel of the Year, Washington Post ” 50 notable books of the year”, New York Post “Best of 2018”, Oprah’s “best Notable Books of the year”, An Indie Next selection, Audie Award for Fiction (2019)

Published- 2018