The Great Alone: From the multimillion copy bestselling author of The Women, The Nightingale and The Four Winds Paperback – 21 Dec. 2023

Loved this story from begging to end.A non stop pick up and read novel of love years and happiness.Ready for the next Kirstin Hannah read.

A wonderful read . Beautifully written and researched. It brought the beauty and perils of this land alive. One of my favourites .

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!

I love this book. I have been fascinated by Alaska most of my life. This just fields that interest more. The story was difficult, frightening, heartbreak and beautiful all at the same time.

Read this book while on holiday I Alaska. Loved everything about it. Laughed, wept, couldn’t put it down. The characters were so well formed and the atmosphere and descriptions of Alaska were epic. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Will stay with me.

Kristin Hannah is quickly becoming my favourite author! I devoured this book in 48 hours and my gosh was it an emotional rollercoaster but not for the faint hearted!Set in Alaska, this is a coming of age story which follows the Allbright family on their move to Alaska and the challenges they face. Ernt Allbright is Vietnam veteran who came home a new man. Cora his wife and Leni his daughter are finding a way to navigate their way through this new life with a new version of Ernt.The setting of the story is a huge tick for me. I loved learning about life in Alaska, especially through the long hard winters. The way the community comes together to support each other is just wonderful. All of the characters in the story are so real and flawed, you can’t help but experience everything as if you’re living through it with them! The other massive tick for me were the relationships in the story. The love between a mother and daughter, the community, young love… it’s fabulous! Just make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading it. It can be a tough on at times!Kristin Hannah will never fail to make me sob and I’m here for it!

Very good read, drew me in the more I read. Full of love, loyalty, despair, fear and community support. Jolly cold too.

Captivating, emotional and beautifully written novel set in Alaska. I can't even put into words how wonderfully descriptive this story is. If you loved 'when the crawdads sing' then you will definitely enjoy this book, about human relationships, survival and love in all it's forms, the love of a mother, daughter, father, lover and friends. I don't want to give the plot away, but do want to say ...just read the book for yourself and be swept away to Alaska!. It is now among my favourite books to read list! I will be looking at reading further books from this author.