The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit

by Michael Finkel

Many people dream of escaping modern life, but most will never act on it. This is 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 New York Times bestseller

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.

• ISBN10: 1101875682
• ISBN13: 9781101875681
• Publish Date: 7 March 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Alfred A. Knopf
• Format: Hardcover (Deckle Edge)
• Pages: 224
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781101875681

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.