Cover of The Great Alone

Historical · Literary

The Great Alone

4.2 out of 5, from 553 ratings from Hardcover readers

In the 1970s, a former prisoner of war moves his wife and thirteen-year-old daughter to a remote Alaskan homestead. As the dark winters close in, the girl watches her father's moods grow more dangerous.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2018
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
449
Format
Standalone

Read this if you want a gripping, atmospheric family drama set in wild country with a strong coming-of-age strand.

Skip this if you want to avoid stories about domestic abuse, which is central and often painful here.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Domestic violence
  • Abuse
  • Mental illness
  • Death
  • Violence

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Domestic abuse
  • Alcoholism

Quick answers about The Great Alone

What is The Great Alone about?
In the 1970s, a former prisoner of war moves his wife and thirteen-year-old daughter to a remote Alaskan homestead. As the dark winters close in, the girl watches her father's moods grow more dangerous.
Who should read The Great Alone?
Read it if you want a gripping, atmospheric family drama set in wild country with a strong coming-of-age strand. Skip it if you want to avoid stories about domestic abuse, which is central and often painful here.
How long and how fast is The Great Alone?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 449 pages, first published in 2018.
Does The Great Alone have content warnings?
Content we flag: Domestic violence, Abuse, Mental illness, Death, Violence.
Can I borrow The Great Alone for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Great Alone; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Great Alone?
Readers who liked it often move on to Where the Crawdads Sing, The Four Winds, The Poisonwood Bible.

Where to get it

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