The year is 1974 and Ernt Allbright comes home from the Vietnam war a very different man after having been a POW. He’s volatile, impulsive and can’t hold a job. He often takes it out on his young wife, Cora. His 13-year old daughter Leni has learned the warning signs when her father’s mood is about to change and prepares accordingly. They are living in Seattle and pretty destitute when he receives a letter from the family of one of his friends from the war, notifying him that their deceased son left him land in Alaska. Ernt sees this as an opportunity to start anew and provide for his family and they move. Thus begins a turning point in their lives but it’s not the success story they’d hoped for.
Alaska is as much a character in the story as it is the setting. Hannah manages to simultaneously portray the beauty, majesty and cruelty of the state and it has a profound effect on Leni. As tough as their lives are in their new home, both the dangers inside and out, she develops a love for the nature, embracing every aspect of it. It shapes her and becomes part of her soul. As sympathetic as I was to Ernt’s obvious challenges due to severe PTSD, it wasn’t the only explanation for his abusive behavior. He was a cruel and mean man who carefully plotted aggressions against his family and others who didn’t share his points of view. Cora is more than the classic abused wife who won’t leave her husband. She married young and was pregnant at the time. This man was part of who she was and their dysfunctional relationship superseded every other one in her life, with the exception of her daughter.
The true heroine of the story is Leni. Despite her awful childhood, she emerges with a strong sense of self and an appreciation of her environs that became a part of her identity. Hannah was masterful in how she crafted this character. As the story is told through Leni’s eyes and voice, she made me feel what she felt and I’ve never felt a call to this state. She sifted through the brutal weather, unending darkness and harsh way of life to see the absolute beauty of the land and spirit of the people who chose that way of life. The strong sense of community was enviable and I walked away from this story with a much better understanding of why that land calls to so many people despite the difficulties of living there. This was an amazing story and who better than Julia Whelan to narrate it. She delivered an outstanding performance on every level. There’s one particular scene that brought me to tears that I can still hear. I wish I could describe more but it’s too spoilerish so you’re going to have to listen for yourself. I’m still haunted by the story, the characters and, most profoundly, the land we know as Alaska.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 6, 2018
- Narrator: Julia Whelan
- Audio Length: 15 hours, 2 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Amazing review, Jonetta! I loved this story as well and was sad I couldn’t join you in the discussion of it. However, the phone call went well and we are all on the right track. Be well dear friend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Marialyce💜 I wasn’t able to join the discussion as I hadn’t finished the book (stayed on the Zoom call with my headphones on!). I’m very, very happy your call went well!! You be well, too.
LikeLike
Excellent review Jo! I’m still trying to get to this one!😪📚💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Suz💜 I was so happy when it was chosen as a book club read.
LikeLike
Great review, Jonetta. I loved this one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Cathy💜 I certainly understand why. Our book club was divided about Cora but otherwise loved the book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent review, Jonetta. 🙂 This has been on my TBR for a long time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Debjani💜 It was on mine for two years! If I’d known it was this good, I wouldn’t have waited so long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review Jo just added this to my audible list as love Julia Whelan as a narrator!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nicki💜 If you’re a fan of nature (based on those books I saw you add), you’ll love it even more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic review! No surprise here, I loved this one as well! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tina💜 This one is perfect for a book club discussion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent review! You always capture the heart and mind of each book in your reviews.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne💜 I waited a few days because I didn’t have the words.
LikeLike
I love books set in Alaska and just plain love Alaska and I love Kristin Hannah, so why on earth have I not read or listened to this book yet? Fantastic review, Jonetta! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennifer💜 Please give yourself the best gift and listen to this one versus reading in print or eBook!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, when you say that, I listen! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is definitely still on my list! Everyone is so positive about this book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Annelies, it was on my list for two years! Wish I’d listened to it earlier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing review Jonetta. This was definitely an unforgettable book for me. I did go to Alaska on a cruise over 10 years ago, but not this Alaska. This book was so real.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carla💜 This was a brilliant piece of writing. I’ve never been to Alaska but want to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic review Jonetta. I really enjoyed this one when I read it. The setting felt like its own distinct character didn’t it. A very powerful read for sure. I keep trying to get my mum to read it so we can discuss it! She loved Hannah’s Nightingale but I think this one is better and I am dying to know her take!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Emer💜 Maybe you and your mother could listen to this together!
LikeLike
Lovely review. I loved this book so much — the characters, the story, and the amazing setting. I’m glad to hear that the audiobook is so good. Maybe I’ll check it out when I’m in the mood to revisit this book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lisa💜 You won’t regret the audio version.
LikeLike
Fab review! I’m happy to hear this story was a good one for you as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Yvo💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic review! This really was a stunning story, beautifully capturing the setting too. I loved it when I read back around its release date and I’m glad to see how much you enjoyed it too! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lashaan💜 It’s great to know that you were as captivated by the story as me.
LikeLike
I’m glad to hear this was a great read for you as well. I love Hannah’s books and this one is a favorite, especially because of the Alaska setting. I’m also with you on being moved to tears by the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Suzanne💜 It was an extremely moving story. It was that last scene with Cora that did me in.
LikeLike