The Safe Pages Rating
Romance
The main character falls in love with a boy from the town. There is a scene of implied intimacy, but it is brief and not detailed. It was easy to skip the page and move onto the next thing.
Violence
The main character’s father is abusive and destructive. There are times when the main character or her mother is beaten, bruised, and bleeding. There is implied rape towards the mother. If domestic abuse is triggering, it might not be the book to read. Additionally, there is a murder.
Language
There was some strong language, mostly coming from the main character’s father, but there was not an unbearable amount. It is an adult book, so it is stronger than a YA novel. If you have read Kristen Hannah before, it is very similar to her other books.
Drugs and Alcohol
The main character’s father drinks occasionally and he becomes angry and abusive when he does. The alcohol is viewed as a negative thing throughout the novel.
Diversity
The characters are from Alaska, or they move to Alaska, so there is not much diversity in the book besides their back stories.
Demographic
Because of the romance and violence, I would suggest this book to anyone above the age of 16. I do think that the novel is geared more towards women. The reading level was consistent with other Kristen Hannah books which means it was an easy read.
Storyline
I love Kristen Hannah, and she did not disappoint with The Great Alone. I cried, I laughed, and I had to shut it several times to digest what had happened. The main character’s journey was hard to watch but it was wonderful. I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone, but it was one of my top three books that I read in 2023.
The Safe Pages Rating System
Content Unsuitable
Read at your own discretion
Safe Pages Approved!