Themes

• Survival in the harsh Alaskan wilderness

• Impact of domestic violence on families

• Coming of age in a tumultuous environment

• Resilience and strength of the human spirit

• Consequences of untreated post-traumatic stress disorder

• Beauty and danger of nature

• Isolation and its effects on mental health

Setting

Set in the tumultuous 1970s, The Great Alone unfolds against the backdrop of a nation grappling with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and political upheaval. This era of social change and uncertainty provides a fitting context for the Allbright family's journey into the untamed wilderness of Alaska.

The story primarily takes place in the vast, rugged landscape of America's Last Frontier. Alaska, with its breathtaking beauty and unforgiving terrain, becomes a character in its own right. The author vividly portrays the state's extreme conditions, from the long, sunlit days of summer to the oppressive darkness of winter, creating an immersive atmosphere that mirrors the characters' emotional struggles.

Within this expansive setting, the narrative focuses on a remote corner of Alaska where the Allbrights settle. Their small cabin, nestled in a fiercely independent community, becomes the epicenter of the family's triumphs and tribulations. This isolated microcosm serves as a stark contrast to the wider Alaskan wilderness, emphasizing the themes of survival, resilience, and the complex dynamics between humans and nature.

Characters

• Leni Allbright: The 13-year-old protagonist and narrator of the story. Leni is a resilient and mature young girl caught between her parents' volatile relationship. She adapts quickly to life in Alaska and finds solace in nature and books. As she comes of age, Leni develops a strong sense of independence and learns to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.

• Cora Allbright: Leni's mother, a beautiful and devoted wife who will do anything for her husband Ernt. Cora struggles with the challenges of life in Alaska while trying to protect Leni from Ernt's increasingly erratic behavior. She eventually finds her own strength and voice as the story progresses.

• Ernt Allbright: Leni's father, a Vietnam War veteran suffering from PTSD and alcoholism. Ernt becomes increasingly paranoid and violent as the family settles in Alaska. His unstable behavior poses a constant threat to Cora and Leni, driving much of the story's conflict.

• Matthew Walker: A local Alaskan boy who becomes Leni's close friend and eventual love interest. Matthew is kind, supportive, and helps Leni navigate life in their small Alaskan community.

• Large Marge: A former lawyer turned general store owner in the Alaskan community. Large Marge becomes a mentor and protector for Leni and Cora, offering them support and guidance.

• Tom Walker: Matthew's father and a wealthy businessman in the area. He often clashes with Ernt over political and personal issues.

• Mad Earl: An eccentric neighbor who shares Ernt's paranoid worldview. He becomes Ernt's friend and enabler in Alaska.

Quick facts

• The book's title is a reference to Robert W. Service's poem “The Shooting of Dan McGrew"

• It spent 4 weeks at number one on The New York Times Fiction Best Seller list in 2018

• The novel has sold over 2 million copies in the United States as of 2021

• It won Best Historical Fiction at the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards

• The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan, who also narrated Gone Girl and Fates and Furies

• Kristin Hannah reads the acknowledgements in the audiobook version

• The story is partially inspired by Hannah's own family experiences in Alaska

• Hannah initially wrote the book as a thriller before revising it to its current form

• Sony's TriStar Pictures purchased the movie rights before the book was even published

• The novel is set in 1974 Alaska, during a time of political and social upheaval in the United States

About the Author

Kristin Hannah is an award-winning American author with over 20 novels to her name. Born in California in 1960, she initially pursued a career in law before dedicating herself to writing full-time. Hannah's breakthrough came with The Nightingale, an international bestseller that has sold more than 4.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 45 languages.

Hannah's work often explores themes of family, resilience, and historical events. Her novels The Great Alone and The Four Winds both debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, cementing her status as a literary powerhouse. Her latest book, The Women, released in February 2024, delves into the experiences of nurses serving in the Vietnam War.

The author's popularity extends beyond the page. Firefly Lane, her novel about two best friends, was adapted into a hit Netflix series starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. Several of her other works, including The Nightingale and The Great Alone, have been optioned for film adaptations, further expanding her reach to audiences worldwide.

Hannah currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her family, drawing inspiration from the region's natural beauty. With each new release, she continues to captivate readers with her compelling storytelling and deep emotional resonance.