One Sentence Summary
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is a book about a family struggling for survival in the isolated Alaskan wilderness, which dramatically tests their unconquerable will.
Book Genre
The Great Alone is a gripping novel with elements of romance, family drama, and adventure.
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of The Great Alone is the brutal struggle of a family to survive in the unforgiving and isolated Alaskan wilderness.
Key Ideas
- Endless Wilderness: It is a powerful exploration of the endless wilderness, its beauty and its danger.
- Strength of Family: It is an inspiring tale of how far one struggles and the limits of one’s will to survive.
- Indomitable Spirit: It is a powerful story of love, courage, strength, and perseverance.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
The Great Alone is set in a small town in the Alaskan wilderness in the 1970s and follows a family struggling for survival. The main characters are a father, Ernt Allbright, a Vietnam veteran, and his teenage daughter, Leni, and wife, Cora.
Ernt reluctantly upsroots their family to homestead a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness. Initially, the cabin is a source of joy and excitement, but it quickly becomes a source of anxiety for the family. Ernt’s PTSD and violence leads to tensions and unrest among the family members, as they struggle to cope with the harsh realities of survival in the wilderness.
Leni is the book’s heroine as she battles to protect her family and bravely perseveres. Leni discovers strength, courage and hope in adversity as she learns to survive in her harsh, new environment.
Key Takeaways
- Perseverance: The Great Alone is an inspiring celebration of a family’s resilience in the face of extreme hardship.
- Indomitable Spirit: It is a powerful story of love, courage, strength, and perseverance.
- Family Dynamics: It is a heart-wrenching story of family dynamics, survival, transformation and the power of love and courage.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Kristin Hannah is an award-winning, bestselling author who has written over 20 novels in multiple genres, including literary fiction, romance, historical fiction, women’s fiction, and young adult. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Golden Heart and Medallion awards.
Target Audience
The book is aimed at adults, particularly those interested in family drama, romance, or adventure stories.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The Great Alone was published by St. Martin’s Press in February 2018.