The Great Alone: Book Review
“Love and fear. The most destructive forces on earth. Fear had turned her inside out, love had made her stupid.”
After reading The Nightingale by Kristine Hannah I wanted to read more books by the author. This played an important role in picking out this book as of my 2020 reads, of course other factors like Goodreads reviews and the IG feed also influenced my decision to a certain extent. And it was an AMAZING read! Definitely worthy of the Goodreads choice awards 2018!
If you love books that take you to a different time and place, this one is for you. The book is about the Allbright family, Ernt, Cora, and their daughter, Leni. Ernt is a Vietnam veteran, although he returned safe something about him will never be the same again. He is suffering from the psychological consequences of war like PTSD, anxiety and depression. There is no conformation of these terms as the book is set in 1960s and 1970s when there was not enough social awareness about mental health. Ernt’s condition affects his family and often move to new city because “change” is believed to bring some improvement in Ernt. This eventually leads them to Alaska, the great alone!
Most people in Alaska were welcoming, they help Allbrighters prepare for the dreadful Alaskan winter when food and supplies become scant. Leni joins the local school and makes the only friend she could, Matthew. As winter brings in darkness, Ernt’s mental illness hits the peak and the family suffers. Leni and Cora have to deal with the domestic violence, the fear, the cover-up. They realize they are on their own. After a serious of events Cora and Leni escape from Alaska when Lenu was pregnant. They live with Cora’s parents until one day, when Leni decides to return to Alaska. Alaska, her one true identity in this ever changing world with the motive to unit her son with the father.
What happened to Ernt? And who is Leni in love with? Read the book to find out :)
Although the end was a bit hurries, it a book I would urge everyone to read. A book to remind you of the simple pleasure of reading, that unparalleled happiness!
THE GREAT ALONE, does not disappoint!
