The Stranger in the Woods

The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit

By: Michael Finkel

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2017 Michael Finkel (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] fascinating account of Knight's renunciation of humanity.... Deeply compelling." ( Publishers Weekly)

What about the masks that you wear?

Finally, I found a book that grabbed my attention and would not let me go. Do you desire to be alone? Do you love solitude? What if you could take off all of the masks you wear? The one you wear for your spouse, each child, the teacher, the preacher, your church friends, your co workers, customers, neighbors, yourself when you look in the mirror, etc. Who would you be? I sure don't know. Being all alone is very desirable to me and that is why this book caught my attention. It is told in a very catching way. I like how Mr Finkel has delved into so much research on different aspects of this man's character. What caused him to be this way. I found no doubt in the fact that this story is true. Did you ever make a tree house or a pretend house in the woods or some sort of hiding spot as a child? Perhaps we might all have a longing to this hidden secret spot where no one can bother you. The author has brought so many deep thought provoking thoughts with his questions. The narrator did a fairly decent job. occasionally slipping into a faster paced speech when it should have been slower but overall was very enjoyable to listen to. I have not written a review on a book for a long time but was so delighted with this book that I had to. I even shared it on my facebook page.

AMAZING

A Must Read. I grew up in Central Maine! An incredibly accurate account of people, places, and a way of life.

Really interesting story

Fascinating story about a real life character. Didn't want the tale to end. Highly recommend. AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Haunting, stilling and motivating.

I couldn't put it down and I still can not. Excellence. I ponder, is there more.

Intensely thought-provoking

I purchased this on a whim after coming across Michael Finkel's GQ article on art thief Stéphane Breitwieser. I am not disappointed- in fact I am profoundly grateful for the find. Finkel's writing, though at times hyperbolic, is personal and engaging. He seamlessly transitions from dialogue with Knight to a history of hermits to explorations of the real meaning of solitude.

Being quite the loner myself I appreciated the author's respect for Knight's way of life and his portrait of just what solitude is, can be and maybe should be. Knight's words are often profound. I'm convinced no one but Finkel could have done this story justice.

Great Story

We were traveling while listening to this book. Every time we got back into the car my kids told me to turn the book on. They couldn't wait.

fascinating, yet sad

I have no clue how somebody can be content while so completely removed from the rest of the world, yet Chris Knight did it for 27 years. I applaud the man for his determination and dedication to remain alone, but his story & his attitude about life and other people is so sad to me. This was a great story, and I truly enjoyed the narrator's performance.

Absolutely terrific

I loved the entire story. The narration was excellent, it was well written and the story really gripped me. The author did a great job.

Hermit the Frog

I mostly enjoyed this book, but felt like it started to drag a bit towards the end.

But overall it's a very fascinating insight into the mind of a man who has no need for personal human connection.

the author does an incredibly good job of portraying the hermit as objectively as possible. not passing judgement, just presenting him like, this is just who this guy is! take it or leave it.

Riveting

What made the experience of listening to The Stranger in the Woods the most enjoyable?

This book was absolutely fascinating -- both in how it was told and in the subject. The narration was excellent.

What about Mark Bramhall’s performance did you like?

He found a voice for the book's subject, a hermit who hadn't spoken for 27 years, that was credible and convincing.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I hope they don't make a film. It's a book told through a series of conversations and it would not transfer well to film.