The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
Mar 2017 · Sold by Vintage
4.6star
72 reviews
Ebook
224
Pages
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About this ebook
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The remarkable true story of a man who lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years, making this dream a reality—not out of anger at the world, but simply because he preferred to live on his own.
“A meditation on solitude, wildness and survival.” —The Wall Street Journal
In 1986, a shy and intelligent twenty-year-old named Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the forest. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later, when he was arrested for stealing food. Living in a tent even through brutal winters, he had survived by his wits and courage, developing ingenious ways to store edibles and water, and to avoid freezing to death. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothing, reading material, and other provisions, taking only what he needed but terrifying a community never able to solve the mysterious burglaries. Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of his secluded life—why did he leave? what did he learn?—as well as the challenges he has faced since returning to the world. It is a gripping story of survival that asks fundamental questions about solitude, community, and what makes a good life, and a deeply moving portrait of a man who was determined to live his own way, and succeeded.
“A meditation on solitude, wildness and survival.” —The Wall Street Journal
In 1986, a shy and intelligent twenty-year-old named Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the forest. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later, when he was arrested for stealing food. Living in a tent even through brutal winters, he had survived by his wits and courage, developing ingenious ways to store edibles and water, and to avoid freezing to death. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothing, reading material, and other provisions, taking only what he needed but terrifying a community never able to solve the mysterious burglaries. Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of his secluded life—why did he leave? what did he learn?—as well as the challenges he has faced since returning to the world. It is a gripping story of survival that asks fundamental questions about solitude, community, and what makes a good life, and a deeply moving portrait of a man who was determined to live his own way, and succeeded.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
72 reviews
Cheryl Justice
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March 22, 2019
I enjoyed the story in the beginning. I thought it started off strong and interesting. You lost me a bit when you brought in the medical and research information. It picked up again at the end. I guess I was most interested in the parts that spoke of Knight more directly. All in all, a fast and easy read.
1 person found this review helpful
Rodrigo Schulz
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July 31, 2023
Fun, easy to read book. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but it's definitely worth reading. It mixes pieces of Knight's interviews which side notes and extra info which I think help to get a bigger picture than just "an hermit caught stealing".
John Burns
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December 29, 2017
Begs the question, "what is this life for?". Only those whom do something like the person in this book did will ever know what it's like to do such a thing. I admire the main character, but wish he stuck to legal means instead.
9 people found this review helpful
About the author
MICHAEL FINKEL is the author of True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa, which was adapted into a 2015 major motion picture. He has written for National Geographic, GQ, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and The New York Times Magazine. He lives in western Montana.
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