Book Review – The Great Alone

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah stole my breath away with its raw, haunting portrayal of survival in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.

The heart of this story belongs to thirteen-year-old Leni, who captured my soul from the very first page. Reading about her experiences reminded me so much of my own teenage years spent feeling like an outsider, though thankfully under much less dramatic circumstances! Through Leni’s eyes, we experience both the magnificent beauty and terrifying dangers of Alaska. Hannah’s writing made me feel the bone-deep cold, see the spectacular northern lights, and smell the crisp pine-scented air. I’ve never been to Alaska, but this book transported me there completely.

The complicated relationship between Leni’s parents, Cora and Ernt, broke my heart over and over. Hannah handles the topic of domestic abuse with sensitivity while never shying away from its brutal reality. As someone who volunteered at a women’s shelter during university, I found the portrayal painfully authentic. Ernt’s struggles with PTSD from Vietnam add layers of complexity to his character, though they never excuse his actions. Their dynamic reminded me of watching my best friend’s parents when I was growing up – that constant walking on eggshells, never knowing what might trigger an explosion.

What truly elevated this book for me was the rich cast of supporting characters in their small Alaskan community. Large Marge quickly became one of my favorite characters I’ve read this year – her strength, wisdom and no-nonsense attitude had me cheering. The entire community felt so vivid and real, from Mad Earl’s family to the kind teacher who helps Leni discover her love of photography. They showed how people can become family even without blood ties.

The romance subplot provided hope and light amidst the darkness, developing naturally and sweetly. I appreciated that it didn’t overtake the main story but instead complemented Leni’s journey of self-discovery. It reminded me of my first serious relationship in high school – that mixture of excitement and terror when you realize you’re falling in love.

Hannah’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, painting Alaska as both paradise and prison. Her descriptions are lush and immersive without becoming purple prose. The pacing kept me on the edge of my seat – I literally gasped out loud several times while reading on the bus (earning some strange looks from fellow passengers!). The tension builds steadily throughout, making it impossible to put down.

My only slight criticism would be that the final chapters felt a bit rushed compared to the carefully crafted build-up. The ending veered slightly more into melodrama than I typically prefer. However, this minor issue didn’t significantly impact my overall love for the book.

The Great Alone is ultimately a story about survival – not just physical survival in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, but emotional survival and the strength it takes to break cycles of abuse and trauma. It explores how love can be both salvation and prison, and how sometimes the most dangerous threats come from within our own homes rather than from nature.

This book will stay with me for a long time. I found myself thinking about Leni and her story while cooking dinner, walking to work, even in the middle of conversations about completely unrelated topics. That’s how I know a book has truly gotten under my skin. I would highly recommend The Great Alone to readers who enjoy complex family dynamics, immersive settings, and stories that aren’t afraid to explore darker themes while maintaining hope at their core.