In 1974, Ernt Allbright, a former Vietnam POW, makes the decision to move his family north to Alaska, where they will live off the grid. Ernt's wife, Cora, and daughter Leni, aren't sure if this is best idea, especially since Ernt is a man with a volatile personality. And, as soon as they arrive in Alaska and see where they're going to live, it becomes clear that none of them are in any way prepared for life in Alaska. At first, Alaska seems to be the balm to the troubled marriage of Ernt and Cora, even as the family struggles to learn how to prepare for the coming winter. The small community they've moved into is supportive, and even Ernt seems more at peace. However, as winter approaches and the nights grow longer, Ernt's fragile mental state starts to unravel, putting Cora and Leni in danger. Soon, the two of them learn the awful truth: they are truly on their own, with no one to save them but themselves.
I devoured this story, becoming irritated when I had to put the book down (like when I had to go to work). Hannah creates such a compelling story that I found I was just caught up in it. It's easy to visualize not only the characters, but Alaska, itself, complete with all of its beauty and danger. There's a true sense of unease through much of the story, and you don't get a sense that everything will be ok for Cora and Leni (which I liked because it made me turn the pages even faster). The relationship between Ernt and Cora is complicated, and heartbreaking --- and thus, pretty realistic. The entire story, actually, rings very true --- whether it's the characters, the setting or the storyline, it's all completely believable. Really a good book.
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