The Adventurer's Son

A Memoir

By: Roman Dial

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

""A brave and marvelous book. A page-turner that will rip your heart out.""—Jon Krakauer

In the tradition of Into the Wild comes an instant classic of outdoor literature, a riveting work of uncommon depth. I’m planning on doing 4 days in the jungle. . . . It should be difficult to get lost forever: These were the haunting last words legendary adventurer Roman Dial received from his son, before the 27-year old disappeared into the jungles of Costa Rica. This is Dial's intensely gripping and deeply moving account of his two-year quest to unravel the mystery of his son's fate.

In the predawn hours of July 10, 2014, twenty-seven-year-old Cody Roman Dial, the son of preeminent Alaskan scientist and National Geographic Explorer Roman Dial, walked alone into Corcovado National Park, an untracked rainforest along Costa Rica’s remote Pacific Coast that shelters miners, poachers, and drug smugglers. He carried a light backpack and machete. Before he left, he emailed his father: ""I am not sure how long it will take me, but I’m planning on doing 4 days in the jungle and a day to walk out. I’ll be bounded by a trail to the west and the coast everywhere else, so it should be difficult to get lost forever.""

They were the last words Dial received from his son.

The Adventurer’s Son recreates the author’s two-year quest to learn the truth about his child’s disappearance. Immediately after Cody Roman’s planned departure date passed without a word from him, Dial set off for Costa Rica. As he trekked through the dense jungle, interviewing locals and searching for clues—the authorities suspected murder—the desperate father was forced to confront the deepest questions about his own life. Roman had raised his son to be fearless, to seek out adventure amid earth’s wildest places. Was he ultimately responsible for his son’s fate?

A harrowing story of drama, adventure, and a father’s love for his son, set in the most beautiful and dangerous reaches of the planet, The Adventurer’s Son is a mystery, the memoir of a father and his son, and an unforgettable story of love and profound loss.

Thank you Roman

I’ve never reviewed a book . But this one seemed different. I related , I’m 61 my sons 34 and 31 . In November I did a whitewater trip with my older son . The water was up and we got so much more than expected. This book took me on such adventures and made me feel like I know the family . It stirred my emotions ! Upon finishing it I for once didn’t go looking for my next listen . Thank you for sharing your and your sons story .

I just don't know ...

The story is interesting, but I found myself not feeling all that sorry for the Dad as I felt he deflected much of his responsibility for the tragedy. I understand the whole "free spirit" mentality, but not at the expense of putting putting your child in danger's way.

Heartwrenching...

You know the end right at the beginning. The author did an amazing job building up the story line and recounting the beautiful memories of a father who loves his son. I pray this man finds peace and is reunited with his son in the afterlife.

Break your heart

A very well written book about a father and son relationship,, about loss, and family. This is such a sweet story, I am glad I read it and thank the author for the gift of it, it must have been hard to write.

Beauriful , heart wrenching, life affirming

A wonderful tribute to his son. At times heartbreaking. Made me think about the meaning of our time on earth. Thank you for sharing your family, your adventures, your vulnerability and your love of Cody Roman Dial