Wanderlust

An Eccentric Explorer, an Epic Journey, a Lost Age

De: Reid Mitenbuler

Narrado por: Peter Noble

The mesmerizing, larger-than-life tale of an eccentric adventurer who traversed some of the greatest frontiers of the twentieth century, from uncharted Arctic wastelands to the underground resistance networks of World War II.

Deep in the Arctic wilderness, Peter Freuchen awoke to find himself buried alive under the snow. During a sudden blizzard the night before, he had taken shelter underneath his dogsled and become trapped there while he slept. Now, as feeling drained from his body, he managed to claw a hole through the ice only to find himself in even greater danger: his beard, wet with condensation from his struggling breath, had frozen to his sled runners and lashed his head in place, exposing it to icy winds that needed only a few minutes to kill him… But if Freuchen could escape that, he could escape anything.

Freuchen’s life seemed ripped from the pages of an adventure novel—and provided fodder for many books of his own. A wildly eccentric Dane with an out-of-nowhere sense of humor, his insatiable curiosity drove him from the twilight years of Arctic exploration to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and from the burgeoning field of climate research to the Danish underground during World War II. He conducted jaw-dropping expeditions, survived a Nazi prison camp, and overcame a devastating injury that robbed him of his foot and very nearly his life. Through it all, he was guided not only by restlessness but also by ideals that were remarkably ahead of his time, championing Indigenous communities, environmental stewardship, and starting conversations that continue today.

Meticulously researched and grippingly written, Wanderlust is an unforgettable tale of daring and discovery, an inspiring portrait of restlessness and grit, and a powerful meditation on our relationship to the planet and our fellow human beings. Reid Mitenbuler’s exquisite book restores a heroic giant of the last century back into public view.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Did not want this book to end!

Such a fascinating epic tale of adventure and a life lived! Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

Wow

This book is far from my normal fare. I tend to shy away from non fiction because it can be dry recitation of facts and biographies tend to be pompous. This story was fascinating. Freuchen packed so much into his life that it is staggering. Exploration, natural study, cultural assimilation, writing, acting, spy work, humanitarian efforts, and so much more. The author worked through a ton of information in an informative, unblinking, and entertaining way. I didn’t always agree with Freuchen but I have a thorough understanding of why he felt the way he did. This was a very interesting read.

So very interesting!

What a treasure this story is. It kept my interest the entire book. I was sad when it was over and there were no more adventures to hear about. So many topics, situations, experiences, ideas to think and wonder about. Loved the narration as well. Well done.

Everything is Very Large about this man!

I love this book! His entire life is purposeful and important. One of the most interesting books I have listened to…Will listen again after I have read a few others of Freuchen’s titles. An%one who thinks they are tough in this day and age will be humbled by the adventures told here. Amazing.

Incredible and unexpected life.

A bit of a slow start yields to a spellbinding story. Worth your time and attention!