Yes, it’s been a while since I wrote or read or listened to a good book. So, here I am now; with a book which talks much about one’s survival & will to live life fully rather than mere existence.
This book by Kristin Hannah, which I heard in audiobook format was one such significant book which when I listened to first; my immediate thought was- yes, I have to talk about this.
It’s a story of Albright family dealing with the tumultuous lives of three members of it named Ernt, Cora and Leni. Ernt, the father and head of his family is just back from the Vietnam war. Back to the safety of his home country and to the secure love of his wife, Cora. But, he doesn’t travel alone nor light; he carries so much of the mental baggage from his ‘Nam days. Showing all signs of PTSD but refusing to take any kind of treatment for it; here he is, disrupting the lives of his beloved family.
This change in Ernt is more keenly observed by his daughter Leni, a teenager without any roots and friends, the sudden arrival of her father impacts her the most. From then on their journey through US states till they arrive at Alaska, settling down in that great wilderness and how they accommodate themselves to the landscape comes in quite vivid details.
The writing is very detailed with prose shining like the Alaskan moonlight. The most riveting chapters in this book are all about Leni’s adolescent years witnessing everything from her father’s abuse and mental breakdown first hand to her first friend turned true love with her neighbor’s son. Here, the story has more nuanced quality and goes at a steady pace.
The story jump cuts and moves years ahead in the last few chapters. Sometimes, entire years passed in few paragraphs or by referring few lines. So, here the narrative seems hurried where we are rushed to the end.
As expected the ending is on a good note but with sprinkles of sadness. How much Leni gets by loosing so much is what all that matters perhaps.
Having said that however, I would definitely recommend this as an interesting read to anybody who is looking for a captivating book, engaging story and of course, for knowing Alaska beyond tourist season.