The Great Alone: A Novel

Written by:
Kristin Hannah
Narrated by:
Julia Whelan

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
1342
Narrator
303
Release Date
February 2018
Duration
15 hours 20 minutes
Summary
*The #1 New York Times bestseller*

The newest audiobook sensation from Kristin Hannah, bestselling author of The Nightingale.

This program is read by acclaimed narrator Julia Whelan, whose enchanting voice brought Gone Girl and Fates and Furies to life. Kristin Hannah reads the acknowledgements.

Alaska, 1974.
Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska—a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night audiobook about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.

Praise for The Great Alone:

'Listeners, beware: You won't want to stop listening to narrator Julia Whelan's performance of this complex story of survival and family...With pitch-perfect timing and a touch of drama, Whelan exquisitely builds the tension, creating an enveloping atmosphere of foreboding that's difficult to turn away from...a don't miss audiobook experience.' — AudioFile Magazine

'Reliably alluring...The Great Alone is packed with rapturous descriptions of Alaskan scenery… Hannah remembers and summons an undeveloped wilderness, describing a gloriously pristine region in the days before cruise ships discovered it.' — The New York Times Daily Review

'Kristin Hannah's new novel makes Alaska sound equally gorgeous and treacherous — a glistening realm that lures folks into the wild and then kills them there.' — The Washington Post
Reviews
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Debra K

Awesome book. Loved every minute. Kristin Hannah is a wonderful writer. The narrator was totally captivating. I am going to listen again.

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Frances S

Unbelievably captivating and one of the best books I have ever read.

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Nancy K

Sorry, this book was a real downer. This is a story about a family who is in trouble...big trouble. A husband with PTSD, a wife who takes the brunt of it , a relationship with poor decision making skills. A daughter who grows up with turmoil. The descriptions of Alaska and the wild beauty that exists there was the best part.

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Mary B.

I have to agree with some of the other reviews - the book was extremely depressing. I felt the same depressing things were being repeated over and over. I thought the narration was good but the subject was a downer.

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Elizabeth J

I will give it 4 stars for being predictable and slow at times. It was a good book. The narrator made this extremely exciting.

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Susan Leigh D.

Excellent listen, parts are hard when relating to domestic violence, it captures the hard story of survival with the wonderful scenery of Alaska when it was being enjoyed and tamed during the 70s and 80s, well written and worth listening to!

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Anonymous

Great book! Great Narrator!

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Jacob Daa H.

I really enjoyed listening to this book - feels a bit like "Where the Crawdads sing", just set in Alaska and a bit darker Overall, a well-built story with strong characters, great descriptions of the wild Alaskan environment, and a great narrator. What's not to like!? I really don't agree with the reviewers talking about it being a downer or slow - it's all part of the story and character building, and I guess those reviewers probably don't have a lot of patience or spend too much time watching quick clips on YouTube with funny cats ...

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Wendy S.

I love the author but found this book to be painfully slow. The fact that the narrator was flat didn’t help. If I had been reading the book, I surely would have not finished it.

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Anonymous

Beautifully written but it was predictable, painfully slow and seemed to drag on and on and on.

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Beth M

This was not my favorite book. I thought it dragged out too long.

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Kathy L

Captivating story, easy listening, well developed characters. One minute you’re shaking your fist at them and the next minute giving them a hug.

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Rita S.

It took a hold on me, right from the start. Alaska was a character. Not just a place. At times, it felt like I was there, seeing what the described first hand. Loved this book. Definitely a must-read/listen.

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Kathy P.

This is a spellbinding read. I could not put it down and Julia is the best Narrator. This novel goes back into the 70’s and gives us a peak into that era. Alaska sounds like a beautiful landscape filled with mystery, danger, and beauty. I couldn’t put it down and neither will you.

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Deborah P.

EPIC!! Great story of love and heartache and adventure. This is only second to "The Nightingale."

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Anonymous

love this book!

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Smileykat

REALLY good book about love, abuse, PTSD, family, friends becoming family, and the incredible beauty and dangers of living in Alaska in the 70’s. The author was great. A few voices sounded similar to each other, but not the ones that were consistent so not difficult to understand who is talking.

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Stacy D.

Fantastic read! Loved everything about this book including the narrator!

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Kimmyb

Great story, Great narration.

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ALISHA L.

Love this book!

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Paula T.

This book was a little slow start for me, but quickly got to a spellbinding , compulsive "what could possibly happen next" area of interest! I loved her descriptions of the landscape and harsh conditions in Alaska, the characters etc. The essential research behind this book- from the living conditions, the essential chores of daily life to survive and the varied characters compiled made this book a 4-star work for me!. Even though some of the story plot was predictable, it was well worth the the time and good entertainment.

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Marcille M.

You need to be prepared for this one. The story is harsh and long, much like an Alaskan winter.It also reveals the reality of abuse while describing the beauty of Alaska and those who are drawn to it. Very well written. It’s worth sticking with it.

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Anonymous

I loved the book and the narrator. An excellent job for both.

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Anonymous

A beautiful story which touched on so many issues we deal with today, in the wild, majestic setting of Alaska. I really enjoy Kristin Hannah's stories, but feel like some of the descriptive details could have been shortened in this one. Julia Whelan does such a fabulous job of narration and really helps you to visualize and develop each character in your mind while listening. I'll definitely recommend the book to my friends!

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Tori V.

Excellent novel. I felt like I was in Alaska with them.

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Deanna S.

Fantastic character development, likability and Alaskan escape.

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Klee K.

This is one of my favorite book. Yes it was depressing at times but that is real life. I grew up in this era. This is a realistic depiction of some of the problems of the times. I loved the setting. My imagination ran wild with views of the ocean and mountains.

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Marla H.

Captivating, exhilarating, soulful and moving best describes this masterpiece of a book. A book that looks back at a time period and family and nation locked in a struggle for its soul and life in the 1970’s. A country struggling to deal with social issues including civil rights, the ending of the Vietnam War, returning veterans and POWs, the effects of alcoholism on the individual and the family. The story is movingly told through the lenses of a young girl coming of age in Alaska. Spellbinding.

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Kyle H.

Beautiful, powerful, devastating,

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Angelia H.

Definitely not one of my favorites, was very disappointed as Kristin Hannah is one of my go to authors.

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Nikwill1

Absolutely loved the entire book! What awesome story. Well done

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Annabelle S.

What an adventure. This book was amazing.. In every word and every chapter. I couldn’t put it down. The narration was wonderful too. How will I find another book that measures up to this story.

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Candace W.

Excellent!!!

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Thomas L.

This book was not at all what I expected. It was much better. Hannah provides an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows with some being extreme. Very pleased with it.

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Anna C.

Loved everything about this story… I listened non-stop, the story had me needing to know what was happening.

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Chris M.

Ugly cried. It is so sad but you can’t help but fall completely in love with the story and the characters. Couldn’t stop until it was done.

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Tricia

By far my # 1 book I have read/listened too! Must read!!

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Anonymous

Alaska is an amazing land filled with strong people. Many of whom Robert Service wrote. This story had its own magic. It was almost a fairytale and it kept me reading.

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Brandy R.

Absolutely loved this book! Could not stop listening, the relationships described, the dynamics were so colorful and genuine. Will definitely be looking at more from this author.

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Joanne R.

Very well written with excellent character development and great descriptive language. Narration was excellent. However, the book would have benefitted by being much shorter. About 2/3 of the way through the melodrama became over whelming and Cora's dysfunction became annoying. I stuck with it 'til the end but but it became a point of pride to finish rather than a need to know the ending. I would read another by Ms Hannah as she has a gift for language.

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Kandyce H.

I loved it. It is narrated with feeing.

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Kathy K.

This is a fabulous read, the pages will fly by and you will likely never forget the unique, bold, charismatic characters enclosed that you will no doubt come to love. Enjoy!

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Mary F.

Good solid story. Easy listen. Predictable ending. Really enjoyed it.

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Jewel F.

I loved the story! The rawness of life in Alaska and the brutal truth of tragedies. The familiar places, roads and feelings I too have grown to love as a person running from a life, finding the best part of my life in Alaska.

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Kellianne T.

Great story

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Marchell I.

I had a hard time at first, but it turned around at some point, totally worth the wait. Loved it

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Anonymous

Amazing story

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Shelley B.

I loved this book. Read it about a year ago and now listened to the audio. Agree some of the events that happen are repetitive and a bit frustrating but the book is not predictable! Loved hearing about the native Alaskans and their way of life and the descriptive details, really makes you envision the beauty.

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Suzie K.

It was a real page turner !!! I had to create excuses to listen in e car.

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Anonymous

Sad and beautiful.

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Daryl O.

Engaging story.

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Tasha B.

This is an amazing book. Its heartbreaking but it tells of the resilience of the human spirit. I wish there was a sequel. Cant wait read more books by this author

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Allison Emery

excellent book!!

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Sharon H.

I lived this book. Was a bit of a slow start but was beautiful

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Terri D.

One of the best books that I have read ever. Its a book about Alaska that touched my soul to its breadth, leaving me without any tears left to cry, but dreaming the beauty, the hardship, the destruction and the love. I know that you will love this book and enjoy the experience of some of the Alaskan sun and life...the narrator really made this book come alive for me. Excellent job.

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Kim C.

Loved it!!! So many feels. I went from laughing, to being mad, to crying. Hannah is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint.

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Margaret H.

The author has a love for adjectives. Absolutely EVERYTHING is over described to the point of irritation. The weak female characters are pathetic. If I hear the phrase, “large marge” one more time I’m Going to scream. Has anyone EVER heard the acronym “TSHTF”” (The shit hits the fan)? It’s ridiculous and over used. All In all I found myself hitting the forward button again and again

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Amy M.

I listened to The Nightingale and liked it, so I grabbed The Great Alone right after I finished. Tremendous story, way more powerful than The Nightingale. It's a hard subject to listen to or read, but that's typical of Hannah's books, the main characters struggle with doing what's best, and often sacrifice. Neither book is particularly uplifting, but both are GREAT stories. Julia Whelan does a superb job of narrating.

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Cynthia G.

I enjoyed this narrator & the story- It is a view of life I haven’t experienced, the characters are very human- the good that is in every person plus the flaws & all...The story is set in Alaska & I enjoyed hearing about life in the last frontier. I

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Kelly B.

Great book. Couldn’t stop listening!

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Alexandra Y.

I first read Kristin's 'The Nightingale' & for not being a big reader, I LOVED it! I bought the Great Alone but couldn't find the time to sit & read. I downloaded the audio book for my road trip & I finished it in 3 days. I'm sad it's over and keep thinking about the characters.The narrator was fabulous, really created a picture in my mind. The story is sad, but let's face it life's hard! The love, passion & dedication of the characters to one another is special :) Highly recommend!

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Kimberly M.

Total downer. I really hated this book. A lot.

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Destina H.

Wow. This book. I did not want it to end. So beautifully written. There were parts where it was hard to listen to but it happens all the time. I would recommend this a million times over. Such a great job Kristen.

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Kimberley R.

Absolutely fabulous!

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Niki S.

at times slow at getting through simple points, author too much in love with own voice, I guess, I can relate ;) Predictable as far as happy endings are in love stories. Fine with me - I didn't come for an apocalyptic ending. Loved it. Great narration.

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Andrea Z.

I loved this book. A little mystery and a little love too.

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Laurent M.

Great read for me

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Dianne F.

I couldn’t stop listening. Like watching a train wreck.

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Patricia P.

Easy listening. Author voice was great. Grab my attention.

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Melanie M.

The narrator was easy to listen to, however when she tries to make Ernts voice be spoken in a manly tone, it didn't flow.

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Joseph H.

The description of life in Alaska is captivating and learning about the types of people who choose the life there is enlightening. The story is difficult at times to listen to the violence but that was factual at the time. We need to recognize our sad history of domestic violence to ensure we never slip again to allow that to happen.

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Gloria S.

I have never left a review before, but I was so moved by this book, I felt I had to. there were so many times in this book I really thought I knew what was going to happen, only to be shocked by the next thing that happened. Kristen Hannah is one of my favorite authors so I bought this audio book expecting it to be good.... it was amazing!! if you choose to listen to this one, make sure you have the tissues handy!! loved the characters (hated one because if who and what he did) and loved the narration if the book as well! you won't be disappointed. I'm sad it's over.

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Desire W.

I loved it I think I expected it to be very predictable but it never took the path I expected.

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Andrea M.

I was hesitant to purchase this book based on some of the reviews. Also some of this writers other stuff is so incredibly sad. Now that I have finished it. I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed it. I can relate to growing up in the 70s and knowing some that served during Vietnam. Never underestimate a mothers love.

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Anonymous

Second book by Kristin Hannah after The Nightingale. Both are heartbreakingly beautiful. I’m going to listen to more books by her, as well as books read by Julia Whelan.

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Eva B.

Wonderful writer, talented narrator. I couldn’t stop listening to this book! Totally loved it!!

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Catherine S.

A very well written captivating story. I have read the book and thoroughly enjoyed listening. The narrator is super.

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Genevieve G.

loved the book.

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Kelly M.

It wasn’t the best or worst but I did have times were I kind of stopped listening and had to rewind because I just slowly lost interest. It’s kind of a sad and depressing story.

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Marci F.

The story was captivating, but did go on a little long in some places and skipped several years a bit too quickly. But it kept me interested 'til the end. A great story of survival and grit. The narrator was excellent.

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Beth L.

I couldn’t stop listening. This book was amazing. The narrator poured her soul into reading this book, which made it more exciting. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that is full of emotion and excitement at every turn of the page.

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Lowry M.

Well written, but very depressing. If it could go wrong, it did. The narrator is one of the best I've experienced. She made the book bearable.

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Terry T.

A true classic advantage a win for the human spirit

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Tabetha H.

Loved this store!!

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Shelly F.

I have read reviews that this book dragged a bit but I did not feel it dragged it gave details you sometimes have to fill in for yourself and I was involved enough in the story I wanted the detail. It was a great read (listen). Would highly recommend this book!

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Kathie M.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to listen to this book, but thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Katie P.

Excellent voice.

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Diane L.

I totally enjoyed this book. I like the way Kristin Hannah writes. I also listened to The Nightengale and I thought that was great so when I saw this book, I didn't hesitate. Enjoy!

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Molly G

Good book! I really enjoyed all the emotions it brought out in me.....joy, anger, sadness, love, the anticipation of what was going to happen next. Narration was exceptional.

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Nicki K

Great story, a little slow in places.

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Jacklyn V

I have had much curiosity about the people , weather ,the wonders , & dangers of Alaska since visiting there . . This book answered many of my questions. Yes , it’s long & drawn out but needed to complete the story .

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Amy W

A really absorbing story, especially the descriptions of Alaska and life in the bush. The parallel story of domestic violence was also well done. The last third of the book felt a little too much like a made-for-TV script, but by then I was so caught up in the story that it almost didn't matter.

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Debra B

This was a good story but harsh and kind of a downer.

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Heather L

I couldn't stop listening. Loved it.

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Ellen H

Amazing how the story and theatrical narration took me to Alaska. I couldnt stop listening.

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Pamela H

Enjoyed the story and really felt for Lenny it was slow but did not mind it at all

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Judy B

i didn’t enjoy this book as much as Nightingale. The narrator was excellent but the story was a bit slow.

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Anonymous

Another great book by K Hannah.

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Kristen N

What an amazing story of a young woman who’s life is defined by her fathers mental illness. If you just want to listen to an amazing story flawlessly narrated, here’s your book. If you want to start to understand how people can shoot up schools, beat their loved ones, this book beautifully testifies the ripple of untreated mental illness and the loved ones trapped by it. Maybe the best book I’ve read in years

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Jami L

Great book! Loved it!

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Janet B

Excellent story. It is written beautifully.

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