Laurie M. (reading-galore) - , reviewed on 11/4/2019 + 115 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

I had seen so many people writing raving reviews about this book that I finally said, "I have to read this book!" And now that I have read it, I have to chime in that this is one of the best books that I have read this year. It is so incredibly well written and intense, pulling you forward in the story and making it impossible to put it down. It takes place in Alaska and revolves around a family who moves there when they inherit a house from the dad's war buddy. Ernt Allbright, the dad, is a former Vietnam POW who has terrible dark episodes caused by his war days. Cora, the mom, remembers him before he left for the war and keeps staying with him despite his physical abuse towards her. Their teenage daughter, Leni, is caught between the two and brought to live in this remote location with its unforgiving nature. This is a complex story covering many facets of life: growing up, rural towns, surviving difficult situations, the endurance of love, and mental and physical problems. This is one of those stories that will stay with you for a long time. If you only read one book this year, this is the one to read.

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