Many people dream of escaping modern life. Most will never act on it—but in 1986, twenty-year-old Christopher Knight did just that when he left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the woods. He would not have a conversation with another person for the next twenty-seven years.
Drawing on extensive interviews with Knight himself, journalist Michael Finkel shows how Knight lived in a tent in a secluded encampment, developing ingenious ways to store provisions and stave off frostbite during the winters. A former alarm technician, he stealthily broke into nearby cottages for food, books, and supplies, taking only what he needed but sowing unease in a community plagued by his mysterious burglaries. Since returning to the world, he has faced unique challenges—and compelled us to reexamine our assumptions about what makes a good life. By turns riveting and thought-provoking, The Stranger in the Woods gives us a deeply moving portrait of a man determined to live his own way.
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.
