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The Stranger in the Woods

'A meditation on solitude, wildness and survival' Wall Street Journal
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( 83,184 ratings, 9,347 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel is a captivating biography that delves into the true story of Christopher Knight, who lived in solitude in the woods of Maine for 27 years. Avoiding human contact, Knight survived by stealthily taking food and supplies from nearby homes, earning the moniker "The North Pond Hermit." This book explores Knight's remarkable journey and the psychological aspects of his chosen isolation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by true stories of solitude and survival. It delves into the life of a man who lived undetected in the woods for decades, exploring themes of isolation, independence, and the human connection to nature. This tale might appeal to those intrigued by the inner workings of a recluse and the challenges of life outside society.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Could you leave behind all that you know and live in solitude for three decades? This is the extraordinary story of the last true hermit - Christopher Knight.

"This was a breathtaking book to read and many weeks later I am still thinking about the implications for our society and - by extension - for my own life" Sebastian Junger, bestselling author of The Perfect Storm

"A wry meditation on one man's attempt to escape life's distractions and look inwards, to find meaning not by doing, but by being" Martin Sixsmith, bestselling author of Philomena and Ayesha's Gift

"Not all heroes wear capes. My latest one is a man called Christopher Knight – a silent idol for anyone who has felt the urge to just sack it all off and live the life of a hermit" Lucy Mangan, Stylist

"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

In 1986, twenty-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.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781471151989

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 May 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Illustration: b + w map and sketch of camp site

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Michael Finkel is the author of The Stranger in the Woods, an international bestseller, and True Story, which was adapted into a 2015 major motion picture starring James Franco and Jonah Hill. He has reported from more than 50 countries and written for National Geographic, GQ, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and The New York Times Magazine. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sportswriting, The Best American Science and Nature Writing, The Best American Travel Writing, and The Best American Non-Required Reading. He lives with his family in western Montana and southern France.

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