A woman must be as strong as steel here… You are only allowed to make one mistake. The second will kill you!

1974. Ert has just returned from Vietnam, where he was a prisoner of war, and cannot settle into any job. When he inherits a house in Alaska, he sees an opportunity to escape and moves there with his wife and teenage daughter. However, adapting to the new reality is difficult, even though the local community welcomes them warmly.

The unbearable cold, hunger, and the permanent darkness of winter bring out the worst in Ert, who violently lashes out at Kora, his wife. She tries with tooth and nail to keep the family united and to protect their teenage daughter Leni, who, against the harsh conditions, experiences her first love...

An epic story of human survival and youthful love blossoming against the odds of life. A novel with Kafkaesque shades, exuding hope and strength.

#1 Best seller of the New York Times from the very first day of release

“Blending ancient Greek tragedy with a love story reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, Hannah vividly recreates the lives of the residents of Alaska with enchanting details… The Vast Loneliness is a feat!” ―Kirkus Reviews

Kristin Hannah has written over twenty novels, many of which have made the New York Times best seller list. A former lawyer who left her career to become a writer, she lives with her husband and son in the USA. Her novel The Nightingale became an international best seller with sales exceeding three million copies worldwide.