Reviews

The writing itself was excellent, Kristin Hannah is obviously a very talented writer. Alaska itself became its own character throughout the novel and it was lovely to experience its beauty around every corner.

The content of the novel was tough to stomach overall but well done in the first 2/3 of the novel.

Spoiler

though difficult to read the relentless abuse perpetuated by her father and mother, Hannah did provide a believable account of what life would be like in this circumstances. Unfortunately I felt the way that the novel was wrapped up in the last 1/3 did not hold true to the characters or events that had preceded it. I can believe that Cora shot Ernt to protect Lenny, but after all of the times Cora refused to leave or do anything about the ongoing abuse, I refuse to believe she actually would have shot him twice. I think that decision would have been the start of a nervous breakdown for her, OR for there to be a better conversation between her and Lenny at some point before the end of the novel on what had finally changed for her. I also didn’t understand the point of the scene of Lenny going to jail when she returned to Alaska. If that was going to happen there’s no way I believe she would have been let go that easily. Maybe it was so she could clear her conscience and tell the truth but a woman in that time would not have gotten off so easily. I also thought Matthew’s significant recovery was pretty unbelievable but I was happy for Lenny that she got it.

. Will not plan on reading again and I would not go out of my way to recommend it to other but would not strongly discourage it.

jayelleem's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes

4.0

vaudevillianveteran's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

hiltzmoore's review against another edition

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3.0

The homesteading and "middle of nowhere" Alaska parts were very interesting and I really liked reading about the history of how Alaska transitioned from being an escape from civilization to being more tourism driven. The characters tended to be caricatures, which is something I have come to expect from this author a bit, and the plot ended pretty predictably, but it wasn't as grating for me as it can be with some of her other books, since the background story was so intriguing. Solid 3.5 stars.

shargeorge's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful, captivating, and adventurous. The homesteader and prepper perspective made the book so fun for me. So freakin’ good.

courtholomuel's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

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