48 pages • 1 hour read
Kristin HannahThe Great Alone
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, Leni Allbright's coming-of-age story unfolds as her family moves to a remote Alaskan town, Kaneq. Her father, Ernt, a Vietnam veteran with PTSD, struggles to adjust, causing tension and hardship. Despite community support and a deepening friendship with Matthew Walker, escalating domestic violence and personal tragedies challenge Leni and her mother, ultimately leading Leni to return to Alaska as an adult to honor her mother's last wishes. Triggering or sensitive topics include domestic violence and PTSD.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone is widely praised for its vivid Alaskan setting and emotional depth. Reviewers commend Hannah's storytelling and character development, highlighting the protagonist's resilience. However, some critique the plot's melodramatic elements and predictability. Overall, it's a moving tale with impactful themes, though not without its flaws.
Who Should Read The Great Alone?
Readers who appreciated the rugged resilience and emotional depth of Cheryl Strayed's Wild or the familial complexities of Kristin Hannah's own The Nightingale will be captivated by The Great Alone. This book is ideal for those who seek powerful family sagas set against the majestic yet unforgiving backdrop of Alaska.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
HL720L