Storyline
The Great Alone is set in the last frontier, in the wilderness of Alaska during the 1970s. Ernt Allbright, a POW from the Vietnamese war, was a changed man when he returned home to his family. Something probably broke inside him. After moving through multiple cities, he reckoned that perhaps Alaska could be his sanctuary. So he moved his bag and baggage with his family to Homer, Alaska. A place with daunting terrain and harsh weather. A place where isolation can be as dangerous as the brutal weather, if not more. This new beginning turns out to be a big nightmare. The long winters can completely wreck a person with an already fragile state of mind, which is what happened with Ernt.
It exacerbated Ernt's PTSD, bringing forth his worst side, leaving Cora and Leni alone to endure its consequences. The only solace for them was the community that stood by them through thick and thin. Regardless of this, Leni made some bonds for life there and also found her soulmate in Matthew.
My Thoughts
It was my third book by Kristin Hannah. The Nightingale and The Four Winds blew me away and drove me to read The Great Alone. It rightfully turned out to be an extremely compelling read. However, it was a challenging one to wade through. With a lot of trigger points, it can be taxing for some. Numerous incidents of domestic abuse and violence depicted in the narrative were unnerving and problematic so to speak.
Most of the characters are well-etched out. There is an immense growth in Leni's character, from an awkward teenager wary of the new place to a confident adult not shying away from tough decisions. My issue was with Cora's character, who despite multiple red flags turned a blind eye to Ernt's violent behaviour. She even justified it to some degree, something which even Leni could not understand. Her submissive and pliant demeanour was beyond my comprehension. I was unable to relate to it and found it irrational. Despite this, the mother-daughter bond is beautifully portrayed, where both always had each other's back. The writing is exceptional, which draws you in, in a way that everything seems to unfold right in front of your eyes. The portrayal of the white Alaskan landscape chilled me to the bones. Being from a tropical country, I can only imagine harsh Alaskan winters and the challenging life led by Alaskans. Only a glimpse of it made me grateful for my fairly easier everyday life. Winters with endless nights can be cruel, where darkness can engulf the person. In the heart, The Great Alone is a poignant tale of love, loss and survival.
