The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Ernt Allbright, a former Vietnam POW, has moved his family from place to place, unable to find peace in the turbulent 70s. A former buddy didn’t make it back home and has willed his home in Alaska to Ernt, so they pack up their few belongings in an old VW van and head north. Alaska is a wild and unforgiving place, so the Allbrights need to learn quickly how to survive the long harsh winter. But the long dark days take a toll on Ernt, and his drinking and violent behavior escalate. His anger and rage are also fueled by Mad Earl, a survivalist. Although Cora loves her husband, remembering the man she fell in love with, before long she and daughter Leni fear for their safety as he becomes more and more physically abusive. In spite of their neighbor’s offers of help, Cora remains loyal until Ernt’s anger focuses on Leni, who has fallen in love with a rival’s son. Hannah not only portrays an Alaska both beautiful and unforgiving, but the strong men and women who inhabit this sometimes harsh wilderness.