The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (#113 in 2019)
Ernt Allbright comes home from the Vietnam War different than when he left. He's colder, angrier, and impulsive. When he feels like modern society isn't working for him anymore, he packs up his wife, Cora, and their 13 year old daughter, Leni, and moves the whole family to Alaska. Initially, Alaska, in its vastness and beauty, is good for Ernt and his mindset-- he seems clear-headed and happy. But Cora and Leni begin to notice that when winter comes to Alaska, when the days are shorter and the cold sets in, Ernt becomes violent and angry. Ernt physically abuses his wife, and Leni, a witness to it all, tries to find enough strength to push through.
This book came out in 2018, but I was on a library waiting list at first. Then when I got my bookstagram, this one got pushed to the bottom of my TBR because... #bookstagrammademedoit is a real thing, people. I finally got into this one because I knew it was necessary before the year was over! I remember reading very mixed reviews back when this book was a hot topic-- some people absolutely loved it, and some thought it was drawn out. I'm so glad that I waited to read this one so my judgement wouldn't be clouded by the opinions of others... because WOW. I was completely captivated.
This was my first (ever) Kristin Hannah book (don't hate me), and I was instantly captivated by the character of Leni. She has a wise-beyond-her-years personality and sees through much of the facade her father puts on during his "good days." Ernt has a case of what can only be described at PTSD, though they never use that terminology. It's possible PTSD wasn't an actual diagnosis until after the 1970s, but Ernt has frequent nightmares and fits of rage where he says and does things that he later regrets. Most of Ernt's rage is directed at Cora, despite her passivity. It was incredibly hard to read about both the abuse Cora endured (can be graphic at times) and the impression it left on Leni. Amidst this new state, new environment, and new community, and the abuse she witnesses at home, Leni is resilient and continues to push through in school and her personal life in hopes of a better future.
Kristin Hannah's writing is eloquent and her language is incredibly descriptive. Despite the drama surrounding the Allbright family, I found myself imagining life in Alaska amidst all that isolation and natural beauty. I especially loved how the true climax of the plot was so late. I felt like the story was so intricate that I became fully invested in each of the Allbright family members' lives. Leni, of course, was my favorite as she is the main character most of the time. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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