Lenny's father moves their family to Alaska . At first, it seems like their prayers have been answered, her father seems happy for once. But they are wholely unprepared for the life ahead of them in the Great Alone as Alaska reveals the truth of who they all really are. 

This book destroyed me and then built me back up again. In this beautiful story, we follow Lenny's emotional and difficult journey of self-discovery. Every turn is wracked with hardship and pain. Lenny is one of the most resilient and complex characters I have read in a long time. Every turn of the page seemed to bring a new challenge that she bravely faces and overcomes. Her story is complex and hard to read at times as she endured her father's abuse and her parents tumultuous relationship. 

Matthew's storyline was equally as challenging. His family has been in Alaska for generations, basically Alaska Royalty.  I loved how we got to see the progression of his and Lenny's friendship, from childhood to teens in love to adults fighting for their future together. Like Lenny, he has endured so much pain

(the death of his mother, his accident, years of rehabilitation), yet he has survived it all in hopes that Lenny will come back to him one day. Their reunion had me in tears.

I want to call her mother selfish, she held back Lenny and in a way used her as a shield. But, she was a battered and abused woman. Broken in so many ways, just trying to survive and keep her daughter safe. Should she have left her abusive husband? Obviously we are all screaming yes to this question. Yet, it is not that simple. Her mind was in survival mode, just survive the day, the week, hopeful that it will get better. The psychology of an abused woman is complex and I think that this book highlights this in an accurate way. 

I loved the setting of this book.  Small town, backwoods Alaska, off the grid community full of colourful character who support each other through difficulties in such an isolated place. The setting was vibrant and authentic. It is it's own character in this novel. Alaska the last frontier, beautiful one moment, trying to kill you the next. 

The supporting characters were some of my favourite. Tough women who were living off the land and succeeding in such a harsh environment. Large Marge was obviously the stand out. She is tough, but so compassionate and caring.