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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.#1 New York Times Instant Bestseller (February 2018)A People “Book of the Week”Buzzfeed’s “Most Anticipated Women’s Fiction Reads of 2018”Seattle Times’s “Books to Look Forward to in 2018”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.

In the heart-wrenching novel "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah, readers are transported to the rugged wilderness of Alaska in the 1970s. The story follows the Polk family as they leave their comfortable life in California and embark on a perilous journey to live off the grid in the Alaskan frontier.

The protagonist, Leni Allbright, is a young woman fiercely loyal to her family, despite the challenges they face. Her father, Ernt, is a Vietnam War veteran haunted by the horrors he witnessed during the war. Ernt's desire for a secluded life in Alaska stems from his belief that it will provide a sanctuary for his family, away from the complexities of modern society.

As the Polks settle into their new homestead, they encounter harsh realities of living in the wilderness. The unforgiving climate, lack of resources, and isolation prove to be formidable obstacles. Leni and her younger brother, Corrine, witness the toll the Alaskan wilderness takes on their family.

Ernt's struggles with PTSD intensify in the remote setting, leading to volatile outbursts and unpredictable behavior. The family's bonds are tested as they confront the consequences of their decision to live off the grid. Leni finds solace in her friendship with Matthew Walker, a local boy who understands the challenges of living in the wilderness.

"The Great Alone" explores the complexities of family dynamics, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of love in the face of adversity. Hannah's vivid descriptions of the Alaskan landscape immerse readers in the beauty and brutality of the wilderness, while her characters' struggles and triumphs resonate deeply.

With its gripping narrative and unforgettable characters, "The Great Alone" is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices people make for family and the strength they find within themselves to overcome life's challenges.