The Stranger in the Woods: The extraordinary story of the last true hermit

by Michael Finkel

*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 breath-taking 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 

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. 

• ISBN10: 1471152111
• ISBN13: 9781471152115
• Publish Date: 9 March 2017 (first published 7 March 2017)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 1 May 2023
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd
• Edition: Export
• Format: Paperback (UK Trade)
• Pages: 224
• Language: English

Reviews

[jennybloom]

Fascinating read that will make you contemplate the value of silence and aloneness, and will also make you question your definitions of right and wrong.

[wcs53]

I saw this book in Costco and, never having heard of it, I decided to give it try. I'm glad that I did, as it's a fascinating read. The book tells the story of Christopher Knight, who one day, aged 20, walked into the woods and disappeared for almost 27 years. The book details some of the why, and also much of the how, he secluded himself and survived for so long.

I have to admit that I was quite sceptical of the story before I read it, but the more I got into it more of my scepticism disappeared. The author intersperses the story with facts about other hermits and solitudes throughout history, as well as offering some ideas as to why Knight my have chosen to do what he did. He also shares details of interviews with those who discovered him and some of the people he stole from over the years.

By nature I am quite introverted and as I read I felt a little empathy with Knight. Although I couldn't imagine going to the lengths that he did, there are times when I crave alone time as he did, but not to the extremes that he took it. It's a fairly quick read and I was left wanting more, but I won't say any more as to why some things were left unanswered, as that would enter the realm of spoilers.