A review by weyheyitsrachel
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

INFINITE STARS.
This book completely broke me, made me angry, made me hopeful, made me sad..... and I loved every minute of it.
Books that can get such raw emotions out of me are my favorite kinds of books. I found myself lost in the story, losing track of time. The setting of Alaska is so unique, and it was the best setting the author could have chosen for the story.
The Allbright family is broken but doesn't want to admit it.
Cora's relationship with her husband is toxic. He's abusive and manipulative. She keeps running back to him, saying she loves him. But she loves the man he was before the Vietnam War.
Ernt Allbright is a POW from the Vietnam War. He is suffering from PTSD - although in 1974, they didn't know it yet. They move to Alaska from Seattle for a fresh start.... or so they think.
This story is told from the POV of Leni Allbright - Cora and Ernt's daughter. We get to see the toxicity of her parents' relationship through her eyes, and it will break your heart. But we also get to see Leni grow up and take life head-on. She's amazing and strong, and I am proud of her.
This story is whirlwind. It's an adventure. It's so much more than the depiction of a toxic relationship - it's about found family. There are lessons to be learned from reading this book. 
If you've been putting off this book... stop it. You need to read it now. 
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