Home Front

By: Kristin Hannah

Narrated by: Maggi-Meg Reed

"Home Front is Hannah's crowning achievement."—The Huffington Post

In this powerhouse of a novel, Kristin Hannah explores the intimate landscape of a troubled marriage with this provocative and timely portrait of a husband and wife, in love and at war.

All marriages have a breaking point. All families have wounds. All wars have a cost. . . .

Like many couples, Michael and Jolene Zarkades have to face the pressures of everyday life—children, careers, bills, chores—even as their twelve-year marriage is falling apart. Then a deployment sends Jolene deep into harm's way and leaves defense attorney Michael at home, unaccustomed to being a single parent to their two girls. As a mother, it agonizes Jolene to leave her family, but as a solider, she has always understood the true meaning of duty. In her letters home, she paints a rose-colored version of her life on the front lines, shielding her family from the truth. But war will change Jolene in ways that none of them could have foreseen. When tragedy strikes, Michael must face his darkest fear and fight a battle of his own—for everything that matters to his family.

At once a profoundly honest look at modern marriage and a dramatic exploration of the toll war takes on an ordinary American family, Home Front is a story of love, loss, heroism, honor, and ultimately, hope.

"Hannah has written a remarkable tale of duty, love, strength, and hope that is at times poignant and always thoroughly captivating and relevant." —Library Journal (starred review)

©2012 Kristin Hannah (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Kristin Hannah's Home Front, read with fine emotional nuance by Maggi-Meg Reed, is the kind of novel that grabs your heart as it draws you in…Keep the Kleenex close, and breathe through the lumps in your throat.” —Booklist

“The novel's second half, a moving exploration of the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on an already shaky family dynamic, is especially well read by Maggi-Meg Reed, who inhabits all the voices and characters with skill and heartfelt emotion. A timely book that is highly recommended for all audiences.” —Library Journal, Starred Review

Stepped out of my normal genre and loved

So many angles of all who are affected by our people that serve so heroically. I learned so much I knew apparently nothing about before as well as loving characters that I do not know in real life. From the people who serve, to the children, spouses and in laws who sacrifice alongside them. The real stories of war, courage, injury and trauma were vivid and hard but needed in my sheltered brain! Thank you Kristin Hannah who never writes about the same thing, yet I’m always thrilled when I take a step out of my normal genre! You are amazing! Thank you!

Overall, a great novel

I loved the story. I go thru 3 audible books a month, over several years, and this was the first I actually shed tears over. I loved the main character and the story of her life and marriage. The only down side was the kids. The 5 year old acted more like a 3 year old and did nothing but whine. The 12 year old ruined it for me. I have raised 5 kids and have 12 grandkids, and have NEVER seen a 12 year old so obnoxious and annoying. Almost quit twice just because of her character. However I hung in there and I’m so glad did. It’s worth the read/listen.

Home Front

Love listening to this story, felt I was right there. Great book! Thank you for the great listening.

Fantastic

What a powerful read. I read this book over Memorial Day which made it extra meaningful. It was such a hard, emotional, yet wonderful read. I love Kristin Hannah's books and this one was great!

The raw truth about war, friendships, love and loss.

There are not many, or any, books about the female experience in Iraq. The main character is a wife, mother and pilot who flies a Black Hawk—the story is captivating and in places, it’s difficult to read the raw truth.

kept me glued to my iphone, helped my commute

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, definitely. the nuances, the character build-ups, the narrator was aamazing

Who was your favorite character and why?

joline and Lu-Lu

Have you listened to any of Maggi-Meg Reed’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

yes, touched my heart

Thoroughly enjoyable!

What did you love best about Home Front?

I loved that Hannah portrayed a point of view of war that I had not really considered, and it really touched my heart. I also loved that the general story line with regards to the relationships of the characters was soemthing everyone could relate to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It ended up being Michael because I admire that he stepped up to the plate as a father and husband. I could not stand him at first, but was proud that his eyes were opened, as well as his heart.

What does Maggi-Meg Reed bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brought more life and animation to the characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A family's life is saved through the consequences of war.

Beautiful!!

One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. It opened my eyes to what military families go through.

Great Novel

I really loved the layout of this story. the character development and real life concepts are all well thought out and strike a touching emotional cord

So good!

This book was amazing and really makes you think about what military families give up.