The Great Alone looks daunting with well over 400 pages. I, on the other hand love a big book, especially when travelling. My only complaint was I loved it so much I read it too fast. I ended up finishing it 1 hour into my 4 hour flight with nothing left to read.
Leni Allbright is 13 years old and has grown accustomed to always being the new girl in school. Her parents are constantly moving. When her mom and dad sit her down to tell her the next big idea is to move to Alaska and live off the land she's not too surprised.
Leni's dad, Ernt, fought in the Vietnam War. When he came back from war years later he is haunted my nightmares. Leni's mom wishes that she remembered him as the loving man he was before 'Nam. Everyone thinks that Alaska will give Ernt a place to breathe and clear his head.
For a while things are great. They all work together as a team to clean up the house and land that they've been gifted from one of Ernt's old war buddies. The days are long and the sun in Alaska summer never sets. There is lots to learn about living in Alaska and the neighbours are all welcoming and willing to help in any way.
Unfortunately, the winters are long and dark. With dark comes nightmares. Now the Allbrights are living in a small one room house and it becomes impossible for mom to hide Ernt's abusive side.
I loved reading about the beautiful Alaskan scenery. The characters were so easy to get attached to. This is the first book I've read by Kristin Hannah. I definitely plan on checking out more of her books.