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A review by joannemae
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
No one, and I mean no one, does emotionally devastating and compelling historical fiction the way Kristin Hannah does.
This book was incredibly engaging and stole my heart-- I love a good complex family dynamic (which, by the way, is SUCH an understatement) and an intense forced character growth. This book was beautifully written and portrayed the importance of found family and the everlasting love and support from blood family in such a beautiful way. And, of course, I cried multiple times throughout the book, which automatically adds at least half a star to any rating.
The beginning and middle FAR outshone the ending, which is disappointing. I loved going through Leni's journey and watching her navigate all the drama that was thrown her way, but the pacing started getting erratic as the story went along and it ended up feeling like we were jumping from drama to drama for the purpose of traumatizing the reader. I thought the love story was lackluster and while I have no place to comment on the depictions of PTSD and Vietnam war veterans, I feel like she explored the topics in a much better and more nuanced way in The Women.
Overall, a very good read.
This book was incredibly engaging and stole my heart-- I love a good complex family dynamic (which, by the way, is SUCH an understatement) and an intense forced character growth. This book was beautifully written and portrayed the importance of found family and the everlasting love and support from blood family in such a beautiful way. And, of course, I cried multiple times throughout the book, which automatically adds at least half a star to any rating.
The beginning and middle FAR outshone the ending, which is disappointing. I loved going through Leni's journey and watching her navigate all the drama that was thrown her way, but the pacing started getting erratic as the story went along and it ended up feeling like we were jumping from drama to drama for the purpose of traumatizing the reader. I thought the love story was lackluster and while I have no place to comment on the depictions of PTSD and Vietnam war veterans, I feel like she explored the topics in a much better and more nuanced way in The Women.
Overall, a very good read.