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The Stranger in the Woods

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The Stranger in the Woods

By: Michael Finkel
Narrated by: John Chancer
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About this listen

In 1986, 20-year-old Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine and disappeared into the woods. He would not speak to another human being until three decades later when he was arrested for stealing food.

Christopher survived by his wits and courage, developing ingenious ways to store food and water in order to avoid freezing to death in his tent during the harsh Maine winters. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothes, reading material and other provisions, taking only what he needed. In the process, he unwittingly terrified a community unable to solve the mysterious burglaries. Myths abounded amongst the locals eager to find this legendary hermit.

Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of his secluded life and the challenges he faced returning to the world. The Stranger in the Woods is a riveting story of survival that asks fundamental questions about solitude and what makes for a good life. Above all, this is a deeply moving portrait of a man determined to live life his own way.

©2017 Michael Finkel (P)2018 Audible, Ltd Maine

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Critic reviews

"An extraordinary story about solitude, community, identity and freedom." (Guardian)

"A meditation on solitude, wildness and survival. It is also, unexpectedly, a tribute to the joys of reading." (The Wall Street Journal)

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Without spoiling I won't go into detail as it may ruin why readers wish to read this book.

I bought this because I was most curious to know why he actually did this, why did a 20 year old man just get up and go, give up everything to go and live in the woods for over 20 years leaving his car behind when he reached his destination.

There are certainly plenty of theories from the Author who investigated the hermit which includes lots of interviews face to face with each other.

I was waiting for a certain condition to be mentioned and eventually when it did, thankfully, there were still questions around it. I was initially convinced it could be because of this condition but I'm not too sure it was fully to do with this, partly yes I'm convinced he has this.

It's also said it's simply because he is a hermit, just a hermit, born a hermit and I do believe this is the case.

The Author explores every possible avenue, it's so well researched.

Excellent writing done with such clarity and flow at a brilliant pace.

I give this an average star rating because I remain curious and the story didn't go into his life prior to his decision. There was also a chapter that started to go too deep with questions the Author was asking the hermit about the meaning of life which was off putting. I was relieved that this section was short lived and so didn't go on too much.
There were also some disturbing examples of isolation symptoms of other people which i felt wasn't needed as the hermit never suffered this way and there are no trigger warnings. I can understand why this topic was included as all areas are explored but I felt it ruined the vibe of the story.

I definatley recommend the book, it's most interesting throughout, alongside theories and investigation as to why he did it, there's lots of detail into his life and incredible survival methods in the woods and how he was just undetectable for over 20 years.

The hermit is also seriously unlikeable, he comes across as weak and pitiful, even when his venture comes to an end he still wants to run away and not face up to life's responsibilities.

At one point I thought he was clinging onto humanity as a last resort when he thought of using a whistle if he ever became immobilised and with all due respect he decided not to go with this idea.

But the thing is, he relied heavily on humanity which never got mentioned in the book or admitted by the hermit, he did this by stealing food and other essential items required to survive in the woods, from people's houses.

That's not being independent and getting away from the human race.

Hermit Who Relied Heavily On Humanity

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Both the author and his very real character come off as overblown or self important (self defensive, maybe, in the hermits case), but otherwise the book flows well. It's interesting that most of those quoted in the book seem so outraged by this guy's decision to live by himself in the woods. I think it speaks more about people's own fears when some of the people he burglarized report living in fear of him. In the end, it is an interesting account of society's need to bring all the strays back to the fold, whether they want to return or not. Maybe we as society need to accept that not everyone wants to have a career, house, family and buy the latest model phone every few months. It's really not so outrageous a thing to imagine. Should he have rather bought a fishing line and a knife at the very beginning instead of stealing frozen food every month? Probably. Other than that, good on him.

how to do nothing and feel superior about it

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Phenomenal story, very well written and read.

The hermit in the story got what he was wanting out of life. With the ruthless selfishness celebrated in sporting superstars and billionaire business owners he had exactly what he wanted. Without caving to the social pressures we all face he stepped away from so much.

I’ve listened to over 100 audiobooks from Audible and this was easily my favourite.

Fascinating Story

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Brilliant I was torn between wanting to know more and leaving him alone.
The author covered all angles as honest as possible without over explaining.
I loved how it made me question my own thoughts on 'hermits' and life needs in general.

Amazing story, well told

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I am really fascinated by hermits and their motives, and the life story of Mr Knight is not without its contradictions, but he is thoroughly relatable to me.
What I really did not like it the author´s refusal to leave him alone after the interviews were concluded. Even interviewing him and writing the book could be seen as an overreach in itself, even though then we would not be able to hear his story.

VERY worth listening to, very philosophical and deep.

Interesting life story, very annoying author

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One of the most altrisutic, and brave souls who had the courage to abandon society and walk and live completely alone embracing silence.. Remarkable. He was truly open to living in presence and peace.

A fantastic story of a true sage.

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I'm not a huge reader but this story in audiobook format really kept me listening.

Amazing Story

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The first half of the book was OK but then I think the author ran out of material and wrote some general chapters with next to nothing in then about Mr Knight. These chapters were excruciating to read if you know anything about the subject matter. He got his facts wrong in so many places that it made me question the whether any of the first part of the book was accurate. I wouldn't recommend this book at all. I regret buying it.

Interesting subject, poorly researched

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