The Great Alone: From the multimillion-copy bestselling author of The Women and The Nightingale

I loved this book. Intense, page turner, couldn't wait to get back to it. The characters were vibrant and the plot unpredictable. Thank you Kristin for the experience. I highly recommend this book!

I love this book. The story with all its twists and turns had me hooked. The start was slow but it soon grabbed me. I’ve spent the weekend reading it at every chance. Now it’s finished and I’m a bit lost.

It’s 1974. The Vietnam war is finally over. And 13 year old Leni’s dad, Ernt, is back home. Following Ernt’s arrival, Leni finds herself caught in the riptide of her parents’ tumultuous marriage; a silent spectator to her dad’s volatile temper. Her mama, Cora, insists Ernt is a good man. A loving husband and father simply battling the terrifying war flashbacks haunting his thoughts; making him lash out from time to time. Sure, dad is scary sometimes, but he loves mama and Leni to death. Desperate for a fresh start, Ernt decides to move his family to Alaska. Leni isn’t too sure, but mama will do anything for the man she loves; and, ever her mama’s loyal shadow, Leni will always do as she says, even if it may destroy them both. Alaska is an otherworldly place, with awe-inspiring beauty combined with a wilderness that is an unforgiving testing ground for all those whom dare make it their home. With the support of the small community who live nearby, Leni and her parents soon settle into this new way of Alaskan life. But, as the days get shorter and the nights longer, Ernt’s condition worsens; his outbursts become more frequent. While mother and daughter muster the strength to endure the unbearable, it’s not long before something eventually snaps. Kristin Hannah’s combination of elegant prose and detailed character development certainly made for an emotionally charged reading experience. Mama and Leni’s relationship in particular was beautifully crafted; celebrating the remarkable strength of women and the impenetrable bond between mother and daughter. Overall, a devastating character-driven tale with moments of beauty littered throughout. It’s definitely a slow-burn-type novel; one that is intended to be gently savoured. Would absolutely recommend if you’re looking for some impactful historical and/or domestic coming of age fiction!

Loved every page!. A fantastic story. Very emotional. The characters were instantly lovable. A must read and would definitely recommend!

I'm getting old and worn by this world and the madness I see on the news every day. This story is a reminder that we all need to remember the ones we've loved. My heart has been filled with the best and worst of my days by Kirsten's book, The Great Alone. It's a fabulous read for all ages, probably not young children though.

Thrilling book loved every page

This is a book that tells a story of family, about life in Alaska and so much more. The quality of the writing brings the wildness and the beauty of Alaska crashing together and stirred a sense of adventure within me and left me equally thankful for the comfort that exists within my life. Kristin Hannah's superb use of language to really bring the landscape to life. I felt like I spent the last few days in that town, living among those people. There were times that I could see the beauty that her words paint and also as I read I could feel the cold that she describes. As well as the setting coming alive on the pages, the same is true of the characters. There is a depth, complexity and tension to each of them. This is what impressed me most about the book. I was emotionally invested in the charcters from the start. In my mind I was chastising them for their actions whilst also reasoning in their defence. The fragility and complexity of people really comes through. Each affected by their experiences and also their emotions and fears, each damaged and each worth rooting for. I felt that I had a real sense of the relationships that formed between the characters and could relate to so many of them. The highest compliment that I can pay to this book is that for days I have felt that I was part of this community and that I loved it. There was a sadness when the book finished and it was time to leave. There are powerful themes running throughout the book. It's a story of love, friendship, family and community. It talks of joy, grief, pain and survival. A book that for one reason or another will stick with me for a long time

What an excellent story- best I have read in a long time. Kristan Hannah's books all require five stars.

Fantastic reading!

Incredible story deeply moving and profoundly told. Thank you Kristin for this captivating book, which deeply touched my heart. And thank you to my incredible daughter Lacey for sharing it with me

What a book. Kristin Hannah creates these extraordinary stories and this book is just brilliant. The story follows young Leni, whose parents move into the wilderness trying to find some kind of happiness. Her father came back from Vietnam broken, and her mother is trapped, in love and in the memory of who her husband used to be. Leni senses early on that she needs to escape this situation, but has no idea how, and she doesn't want to leave her mother behind either. Then Leni meets Matthew, a forbidden love grows, and fate strikes. Alaska is the quiet star here, the backdrop for all that happens. How harsh life is, how nature and the seasons dictate everything, all is written so vividly and so beautifully at the same time. An intense reading experience, best enjoyed when you actually have the time to let yourself fall into it.

Okay book-not a fan of her story telling tbh

A wonderful read! Loved every little thing about the book, starting with the plot, the writing style, the climax; all of it was just spot on. Character development was great too. All the emotions and experiences were described extremely well. A five star read for sure ❤️