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An instant #1 New York Times bestseller! "A TOUR DE FORCE." ―Kirkus (starred review)Alaska, 1974.Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they 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 Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. 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. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska―a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.Age Range: Adult .

In the vast and unforgiving wilderness of Alaska, Kristin Hannah's "The Great Alone" unfolds a poignant and compelling tale of resilience, family, and the indomitable spirit of survival. Protagonist Leni Allbright, a young girl on the cusp of adolescence, finds her life uprooted when her father, Ernt, decides to abandon their comfortable suburban existence in search of a simpler, more fulfilling life in the Alaskan frontier. As they trade the familiar comforts of civilization for the harsh and unforgiving beauty of the wilderness, Leni and her mother, Cora, must confront the challenges of a life stripped down to its bare essentials.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and unforgiving elements, Leni discovers a newfound sense of freedom and self-reliance. She learns to hunt, gather, and navigate the unpredictable terrain, developing a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of the natural world. However, as winter descends upon the Alaskan wilderness, the family's resilience is tested like never before. Food becomes scarce, temperatures plummet, and the isolation becomes overwhelming. Ernt's mental health deteriorates, and his increasingly erratic behavior threatens to tear the family apart.

Cora, a fiercely protective mother, fights to keep her family intact, shielding Leni from the harsh realities of their situation. Yet, as Leni grows older, she begins to question her father's motives and the choices that have led them to this isolated existence. As she uncovers hidden truths about her family's past, Leni must decide whether to embrace the harsh realities of her new life or fight for a return to the life she once knew.

"The Great Alone" is a story of survival, love, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of Alaska's unforgiving wilderness, Kristin Hannah weaves a tale that explores the complex relationships between parents and children, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of nature.