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

The Great Alone is a superbly written, compelling novel, that takes place in Alaska, during the 1970s. Cora Albright has always been devoted to her husband Ernt; even after he came home a changed man, from Vietnam. Ernt was no longer the loving, happy husband, he once was. He was moody, angry and abusive. But, Cora loved him, anyway. Even after her daughter, Leni, pleaded with her to leave Ernt, Cora stood by her husband’s side. I wanted to shake some sense into Cora. I loved so many of the colorful characters in this book; Leni, Matthew Walker, Tom Walker and Large Marge, were my favorites. Although I knew that Ernt Albright was suffering from PTSD, I still couldn’t bring myself to warm up to him. I detested the physical and emotional abuse that he flung at his family without a second thought. While reading The Great Alone, I felt as if I was part of the story, braving the harsh Alaskan weather, and grieving unbearable losses. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. The Great Alone is a poignant story about domestic abuse, toxic love and everything in-between. To say that I became involved in the story is an understatement. By the time I finished reading this book, my heart had been torn into a million pieces and then stitched back together again. I was emotionally exhausted but smiling. The Great Alone is an unforgettable story and one that will stay with me for a very long time. I loved every page of his outstanding, unputdownable book. Highly recommended. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy!

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....😉.

I'm 46 years old and have been an avid book reader since I was 8 years old. This is THE book to compare ALL books to. I have never in my life been more moved by any story I have ever read or watched. This book runs parallel to so many different types of life long struggles

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.