The Great Alone is compelling in a “how bad can it get?” way but ultimately lacks any kind of depth. The first half is catchy and tolerable at best. The second half is riddled with implausible plot developments, like Leni recovering from two broken ribs within a few days and going back to her Alaskan lifestyle as if nothing happened. The story leans on a lot of predictable drama rather than meaningful exploration, making it an easy yet absolutely hollow read. If you’re looking for realism or substance, this one falls short. Much like Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, this one is a historical fiction heavy on emotion but light on believability.