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.

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.

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.

Emotional / Challenging / Adventurous / Melancholic / Contemplative

Kristin Hannah

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Great Alone and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Great Alone Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Great Alone Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Great Alone Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-11

The Great Alone Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-15

The Great Alone Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-18

The Great Alone Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

The Great Alone Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

The Great Alone Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-26

The Great Alone Chapters 25-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-29

The Great Alone Chapters 27-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-31

The Great Alone Chapters 30-31 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Great Alone Character Analysis

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Themes

The Great Alone Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Great Alone Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Great Alone Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Great Alone Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

The Great Alone Book Club Questions

The Great Alone

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Great Alone?

Reading Age

Book Details