The Stranger in the Woods

The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit

By: Michael Finkel

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

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.

Critic reviews

"A story that takes the two primary human relationships—to nature and to one another—and deftly upends our assumptions about both. This was a breathtaking 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

"An absorbing exploration of solitude and man’s eroding relationship with the natural world. Though the ‘stranger’ in the title is Knight, one closes the book with the sense that Knight, like all seers, is the only sane person in a world gone insane—that modern civilization has made us strangers to ourselves."
—Nathaniel Rich, The Atlantic

"Campfire-friendly and thermos-ready, easily drained in one warm, rummy slug… Raises a variety of profound questions—about the role of solitude, about the value of suffering, about the diversity of human needs."
—Jennifer Senior, The New York Times

"Michael Finkel has done something magical with this profound book… [His] investigation runs deep, summoning…the human history of our own attempts to find meaning in a noisy world."
—Michael Paterniti

"Chris Knight is an American original... I burned through this haunting tale in one rapt sitting."
—John Vaillant

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.

Fascinating story present in a nice format

Fascinating story present in a nice format. Intriguing story, perfect length for a quick read/listen, great narration.

A Deep and Exciting insight

An insight into solitude, with the VERY very interesting story of knight, and the narrator amazingly fits like a glove to this story. Would recommend to pretty much anyone!

what a book!!

Loved this book, the performance was outstanding and the story very, very intriguing. Will listen again.